The Ceremony
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.
Details
An original mixed media artwork, rich with surreal symbolism and tactile intrigue. Each layer is meticulously built upon a heavy-duty stretched canvas using a myriad of materials, inviting the viewer into a world of texture and depth. Created with professional archival paints and sealed for protection, this piece is designed to endure. The included collage elements are printed with archival inks on fine art papers, ensuring the vibrancy lasts for generations.Size
12x12Materials & Techniques
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!Hidden Images & 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.Interpretation
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.Poetry
$380.00Price