Collection: Ganeshism 5 By Mahen Chanmugam

Mahen, as a single subject artist, has devoted the last 30 years to portraying Ganesha.

Whereas the image topic is constant, the paintings capture a range of emotions and themes. Today his art looks at the Deity’s iconography as a philosophical template. One that symbolizes liberation from ego, acceptance and the laws of cause and effect.

The paintings explore contemporary interpretations of Ganesha’s  complex iconography and symbolism. Through his modern, dynamic and colourful acrylic paintings, the artist takes you on a personal journey, away from the often misunderstood classic religious views, into the study of an idol with symbolism of deep cosmic significance.

Mahen Chanmugam has had several solo exhibitions in Singapore and Sri Lanka and he works in all media, using conventional materials as well as surfaces as varied as antique door panels and industrial packaging materials. Currently he lives in Colombo with his wife and two children in their ‘living’ Ganeshism home/studio/gallery, whose other residents include cats, dogs, bats, tropical fish and water monitors.

The Ganeshism5 exhibition is open to the public and will run from the 1st to the 24th of June, 2023.