Shyama Golden's Art Show at Harper Gallery

A Journey Through Transformation, Self-Discovery, and Rebirth

Shyama Golden's recent art show at Harper Gallery presents a compelling narrative woven through a series of meticulously crafted paintings. Each piece in this series takes the viewer on a profound journey, exploring themes of transformation, self-discovery, and rebirth.

The series begins with "Restricted Area," a painting that introduces us to a mysterious figure entering a zone marked by traffic cones and fallen branches. This scene immediately sets a tone of intrigue and foreboding, suggesting that the figure is stepping into a forbidden or restricted territory. The starkness of the barriers hints at societal or personal boundaries that the figure is about to challenge or transgress.

In "Down the Gopher Hole," the second painting, the figure is depicted exploring the ground, seemingly searching for portals or holes. This imagery suggests a quest or a descent into another realm, perhaps a metaphorical journey into the depths of the subconscious. The act of searching emphasizes the figure's determination to uncover hidden truths or forgotten memories.

The narrative deepens with "Daydream of a Nocturne," where the figure is engaged in a ritual-like scene alongside a yakka-like entity, surrounded by grave markers. This painting evokes a sense of communion with the dead, highlighting themes of mortality and the supernatural. The ritual suggests an offering or a connection with ancestors, hinting at the figure's quest for understanding and reconciliation with the past. I couldn't help but notice the similarities in Tamil culture, where we make offerings for the deceased by placing food on a banana leaf in front of their photo, along with a diya (lamp).

"As Above, So Below" marks a pivotal transformation. Here, the figure begins to morph into a yakka-like creature, covered in grass, symbolizing a profound merging with nature. This painting reflects the idea of transformation and the blurring of boundaries between the human and the otherworldly. It speaks to the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of life.

In "Doppelganger," we witness the yakka figure attempting to integrate into the urban environment by performing mundane tasks such as buying fruits. This scene captures the creature's struggle to adapt to a human world, emphasizing the themes of identity and belonging. However, the narrative takes a tragic turn with a car crash, symbolizing the harsh realities and obstacles faced in the process of integration.

"The Accident" depicts the aftermath of this tragedy. The figure, now introspective, searches for the inner self, depicted within the yakka's body. This painting suggests a journey of self-discovery and healing, illustrating the figure's attempts to reconcile with their dual nature and find peace within.

The series concludes with "Blood Orange Moon" and its subtext, "Treebirth." In this final painting, the figure is reborn from a tree, symbolizing renewal and the cycle of life. The transition from night to dawn represents reincarnation and a new beginning, capturing the essence of rebirth and the perpetual nature of transformation.

Shyama Golden's art series at Harper Gallery beautifully captures the themes of transformation, self-discovery, and rebirth. Through a vivid narrative arc that spans from sunset, through the nocturne, and culminates in a new morning, Golden's paintings invite viewers to reflect on their journeys and the ever-evolving nature of existence. The interplay between the human and the supernatural, the past and the present, and the cycles of life and death create a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with the human experience.