Visual Artist and Art Researcher Shobha Menon writes about "Emerging Buddha" and Lekha Vyloppilly, the artist behind
The concept of 'Emerging Buddha' represents the awakening and unfolding of spiritual consciousness, drawing parallels to the journey of enlightenment in Buddhism. This idea is beautifully captured in Lekha's artwork, where each piece serves as a window into the profound wisdom and teachings of the Buddha.
Lekha's artistic journey led her to explore and create paintings and installations that combine traditional Kerala mural styles with themes of Tibetan Buddhism. Her use of large canvases, clay, and wooden pieces reflects her dedication to this unique fusion of art forms. The medium of the large paintings is acrylic on canvas, employing a brilliant combination of colors to bring nature, earth, water, and sky to life in an intricate and subtle way. By integrating and harmoniously blending Kerala mural techniques with her own painting style, Lekha has created a new visual language, developing a refined method for the 'Emerging Buddha' series that is sure to captivate art lovers and offer a unique visual experience.
'Bhaisajyaguru' aka 'Medicine Buddha' from the "Emerging Buddha" Collection (Artist: Lekha Vyloppilly | Medium: Acrylic on Wood | Year: 2024)
To delve deeper into these themes, Lekha frequently interacted with Sethu Das, founder of Friends of Tibet, whose guidance helped the artist to explore textual sources to translate knowledge into visual art. Her discussions with Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar from the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of HH the Dalai Lama further enriched her understanding of the Buddhist concept of Menla or the 'Medicine Buddha'. This allowed her to seamlessly integrate these elements into her artwork. Through them, she immersed herself in the spiritual and artistic aspects of Buddhism.
One of the highlights of the "Emerging Buddha" exhibition is her series of paintings on Buddhist practices. These include the Medicine Buddha and the Mantra and the Mandala, and other related themes. Each piece reflects her deep reverence and understanding of the subject. Moreover, she utilized the narrative method of storytelling, creating a new visual language that blends her style with Buddhist themes.
Complementing these works are her depictions of significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha. These include the birth of Buddha, the Starving Buddha, the First Sermon, the Descent from Heaven, the Last Sermon, the Enlightenment, and the Parinirvana. Each painting captures the essence of these important moments with grace and precision.
Additionally, Lekha's exploration extends to the practices of the Five Wisdom Buddhas and important Bodhisattvas. This body of work serves as her sadhana, a spiritual practice that combines her artistic talent with her deep spiritual insights.
Through these various works, 'Emerging Buddha' offers viewers a journey into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism through the eyes of a dedicated and passionate artist. Lekha Vyloppilly's work invites viewers to explore and connect with the profound wisdom and beauty of this ancient tradition.
About the Artist: Lekha Vyloppilly is a versatile and accomplished artist with a master's degree in Painting from Bangalore University and a bachelor's degree in Mural Art from SSUS, Kalady. Renowned for her expertise in mural painting, Lekha has imparted her passion for artistic expression by teaching children and young adults in schools and colleges. Her creative journey spans multiple forms and mediums, fueled by boundless imagination.
Her remarkable ability to visualize literary works and bring them to life in vibrant colors on paper and canvas sets her apart. She has illustrated two published books and earned international recognition for her talent, with five solo exhibitions and numerous participation in national and international group shows. Lekha's exceptional drawing and painting skills were showcased when she created a stunning visual narration of her great uncle Mahakavi Vyloppilly's famous poem, "Mampazham" as a 44-foot-long, 6-foot-tall mural at SRV School, Ernakulam, Kerala.
She has also executed temple works, a field traditionally dominated by men, and created numerous murals in India and abroad. Lekha performed a live painting alongside the theatre performance "Agle & Cleopatra" by Lokadadharmi Theatre in Kochi. Through her artistic endeavors, Lekha finds great satisfaction in spreading artistic thought and inspiring others. Her deep interest in Buddhism connected her to Friends of Tibet Foundation, where she is keenly involved in cultural activities. Lekha's new series of works is an outstanding achievement, seamlessly blending the depiction of Buddha's life and teachings with philosophical insights. Rich with signs and symbols, her works offer a colorful and intricate portrayal of Tibetan Buddhism. By utilizing traditional Kerala mural techniques, she brings these narratives to life, creating a captivating fusion of cultural and spiritual elements in a visually stunning manner.
Emerging Buddha Development Team: Deepa Menon, Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar, Kabir Saxena, Karma Yeshi, Nirmal Antony, Shobha Menon & Suresh Babu.
"Lekha Vyloppilly has beautifully integrated various traditional art forms into her 'Emerging Buddha' paintings. Her work reflects not only a mastery of craft but also a profound understanding of the subject. She weaves together Tibetan mysticism and the medicinal practices of Tibetan Buddhism, offering a deeply evocative reinterpretation of the Buddha. Through her art, she portrays the evolution of a human being into a God-like presence — a message conveyed with remarkable grace and insight. I hope that more of humanity gets to see this message of ahimsa and the preciousness of life and compassion for all living forms. These qualities are essential in today's world, where they seem diminishing in our public life, and conflict threatens our very existence. The message that she conveys is like a glimmer of hope in the darkness of a hate-filled world."
Tushar Gandhi, author and the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi & Kasturba Gandhi
"Lekha Vyloppilly's new paintings, engaging with the theme of the Medicine Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism, are dexterous and culturally nuanced. As a human being and creative individual, she has survived in and through art. A profound cultural and civilizational linkage is established in both life and art by this woman artist, who is combining two outwardly distinct streams of painting traditions: the mural style of Kerala and the Tibetan Buddhist style. It is a fusion of divergent forms and practices within the broader Buddhist art and culture that underpins Kerala and South India as well.
It was South Indians like Bodhidharma who carried Buddhism and its meditative practices to China and beyond. Padmasambhava, from Odisha, ventured into Tibet in the 8th century to establish Lamaism, the unique Tantric Buddhism of Tibet. From popular Hindu gods and goddesses, the artist has journeyed back and beyond into their origins: the male and female Bodhisattvas of Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism. These deities were later renamed and modified as 'Hindu gods and goddesses' in modern times. Her work represents a remarkable cultural and artistic journey — one that traces back to the origins and authentic cultural history of Kerala and India."
Dr Ajay S Sekher, Founding Coordinator of Centre for Buddhist Studies, SSUS Kalady
Friends of Tibet Foundation
Digital Support: Design & People Foundation, India + Ibiblio Digital Library & Archive Project, University of North Carolina, USA
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