CONCEPT :

All Indian Classical Music Instruments are considered sacred in Hinduism.
The “Veena” is the oldest (200 BC), Goddess Saraswati (patron of fine arts, music, knowledge) is pictured holding this instrument, and is considered an embodiment of the divine or her.

That’s why you will see South Asian classical musicians holding/cradling/playing their instruments with utmost devotion and care.

Vasant Panchami (Springtime festival/Hindu holiday honoring Saraswati) is also celebrated by some Indian Sufi Muslims (Chishti order). The 13th C Sufi poet Amir Khusrau (Father of Hindustani (North Indian) Classical music adopted this practice of celebrating after seeing Hindus going to the temple.

This design is the Veena with Urdu Calligraphy. The Urdu poem is by famous Pakistani poet Josh Malihabadi.

Translation:

"Zindagi (life), Bageshree (a Raga), Deepak (a Raga), Sarang (a Raga,) Sohnee (a Raga), Taraashee (Sculpture), Raqs (Dance), Mauseequee (Music), Khitaabat (Calligraphy), Shaa’e’ree (Poetry)

"Life is these 4 ragas, dance, music, sculpture, calligraphy, and poetry!"

–A Raga refers to a melodic mode/framework in Indian Classical Music.

Read from right to left from the top of the instrument to the bottom.

I thought this poem went well with my artwork since Goddess Saraswati is the patron deity of all art forms!

Colors white (purity of thought), blue (ancient river Saraswati, the fluidity of thought) all associated with the Goddess.

Print Details:

•Museum-quality prints made on thick and durable matte paper
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%

All prints are signed by the artist.

©2019 Sangeetha Kowsik