Ganesha on Lotus
Seema Sharma Shah, 2013
Etching
112 × 112 cm

© Seema Sharma Shah

Ganesha on Lotus, an etching, follows the innovative multi-coloured printmaking technique known as viscosity print making, which incorporates the principles of both relief printmaking and intaglio. Ganesha on Lotus depicts a number of Ganeshas resting on lotuses with chimes hanging from the structure. Though most of the Ganeshas in the picture are from Nepal, such as the sixteen-handed Ganesha, the twin Ganesha and the dancing Ganesha standing on two rats, the iconography of the miniature Ganeshas are all from Varanasi. Since time immemorial, the Ganesha cult has remained so popular that the whole city of Kathmandu is replete with diverse forms of the Lord, which are expressed by my own creative diverse perceptions. Kathmandu is believed to be protected by the four Ganeshas surrounding the city from all four directions. Before beginning something new, Hindus believe in worshipping Ganesha to bring luck in the carrying out of the task in question. I grew up observing these traditions and my work reflects the prayers to the Lord Ganesha before commencing a new venture.