MEGAN ASHMAN GALLERY
EXPERIENCE ART AS MAGIC
ORIGINAL MIXED-MEDIA ARTWORK
The Ceremony
Megan Ashman
380
PUBLISHED
SIZE
12x12
MEDIUM
Mixed media on canvas
COLLECTION
Animals & Insects, Places & Spaces, People & Portraits, Emotion & Themes, Psychedelic & Surreal, Spirit & Dreams
SUBCOLLECTION
Animals, Ancient & Sacred Places, Realms, Ghosts & Death, Ethereal & Divine, Objects, Psychedelic
YEAR
✦
Secure Checkout
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Carefully Packaged
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Certificate of Authenticity
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Direct Studio Support
ABOUT THE WORK
Artwork Description
A spectacular ceremonial costume dominates the composition—vibrant yellows, golds, oranges, and turquoise create an ornate mythical creature.
The costume appears to be from Balinese Barong dance tradition (the protective lion/dragon spirit) or possibly Chinese/Southeast Asian ceremonial lion dance.
The elaborate mask features bulging eyes, fierce expression, ornate headdress, and richly patterned robes decorated with traditional motifs.
Real seashells are embedded in the surface, suggesting oceanic origins or coastal ceremony.
Mirror fragments catch light like the traditional mirror pieces sewn into Barong costumes to reflect evil.
Behind and around the figure, explosive abstraction in turquoise, coral, silver, and gold creates cosmic energy field.
The composition honors the spiritual power of ceremonial performance, where costume becomes portal for deity or protective spirit to manifest.
HOW IT WAS MADE
Materials & Process
mediums/materials: phosphorescent paints, found objects, paper, wax, photo collage, oxidative inks, distress paint and inks, acrylic pouring, digitally altered images, acrylic paint, watercolor, spray paint, walnut ink, staining mediums, tissue paper, mica powders, glitter, heavy gel medium, gesso, pebeo prism and fantasy paints, ceramic paint, stained glass paint, alcohol inks, iridescent inks, distress crayons, charcoal, pastels, oil pastels, string, beads, jewelry, gems, chains, buttons, foils, newspaper, vinyl, plastic, walnut inks, india ink, colorshift paints and more!
THE ARTIST'S VOICE
Interpretation / Story
This piece celebrates sacred performance traditions where costume, dance, and ritual combine to manifest protective spiritual forces. It honors Asian cultural traditions (specifically Indonesian/Balinese or Chinese ceremonial arts) while placing them in psychedelic context that emphasizes their actual function—altering consciousness, opening portals, channeling forces beyond mundane reality. The heavily textured, explosive treatment gives Western art context to sacred objects often dismissed as mere "folk art" or tourism spectacle.
WHAT LIVES INSIDE
Hidden Images & Symbolic Elements
The Barong (if that's the specific costume) represents protection against evil, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the guardian spirit that watches over communities. The fierce expression wards off malevolent forces. The ornate decoration honors the spiritual power the costume channels—it's not mere clothing but sacred vessel. The seashells connect to oceanic spirits, purification, and the origins of life. Mirror fragments traditionally reflect evil back to its source, protecting the dancer and audience. The explosive background suggests the costume tears open reality, allowing spiritual forces through.
BEFORE YOU COLLECT
Framing & Shipping Notes
01
ORIGINAL ARTWORK
This is the one-of-a-kind original, hand-created by Megan Ashman. No prints or reproductions are sold as originals.
02
SHIPS CAREFULLY PACKAGED
Each work is packed with archival materials and shipped with care. Insurance and tracking are included with every order.
03
FRAMING
This work ships unframed. Framing advice is available on request — we can suggest dimensions that suit the piece and your display context.
04
QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING
Collectors are warmly encouraged to contact the studio before purchasing. We welcome all questions about scale, display, and condition.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR SUPPORT
Need to see more before collecting?
Request additional images, ask about scale and display, or schedule a private studio visit.