Heart House
Heart House
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
Pūrnmāshī 2024
acrylics and glass beads (embroidered with cotton thread) on canvas, 24" diameter
Pūrnmāshī is part of a series of works that isolates recurring symbols within my work, presenting each as a stand-alone piece. By rendering these symbols independently, the series confers a heightened sense of emphasis, allowing each symbol to be appreciated in its own right and encouraging focused contemplation of its individual meaning.
Each symbol that I employ is imbued with a complex tapestry of meanings, resonating on both personal and cultural levels. The moon, in particular, signifies cycles of renewal and continuity, embodying an enduring yet ever-shifting presence. Its phases serve as metaphors for personal growth, transformation, and the acceptance of impermanence, waxing and waning in harmony with life’s natural rhythms. Through its inclusion in my paintings, ceramics, and performance pieces, I encourage viewers to engage with their own journeys, inviting reflection on existence’s cyclical nature—a concept deeply rooted in Sikh teachings on the transience and profound significance of life.
Moreover, the moon holds rich poetic and aesthetic symbolism within Indic and Sikh/Punjabi traditions, where it often appears as a metaphor for beauty and introspection. By integrating the moon across diverse works, I extend this traditional symbolism, allowing it to accrue fresh layers of meaning within each artwork. While the moon references its historical and cultural past, each artistic iteration adds new dimensions, creating a dialogue between continuity and innovation, familiarity and reinterpretation.
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