Nicolas Arati
Sacred Art in Hand Made Paper
Artist’s Statement
The position of my work in Contempory Art is one of going beyond bounderies.
My work is in accordance with a development that gradually has begun to mark all Arts.
This is an expression of the fact that today’s society and the life of the individual human being slowly and gradually evolves from a low state, that knows only the material, towards growing integration of the spiritual element.
Schopenhauer once said: “All authentic Art is spiritual, notwithstanding the subject.”
My situation is however, that I have chosen the so-called “Spiritual” as my subject matter.
My endeavour is to translate this by using a certain universal symbolic language, by my use of color and the application of specific forms and materials, while I often go beyond the traditional rectangular shape of paintings.
This way I have come to create robes and hangings which probably have an association with the celebration of the spiritual in certain cultures of the past. Also my “Banners” want to celebrate integrated life.
It is my opinion that the artist must precede in the voyage of discovery of the inner being, in the mirroring of existence to the Absolute.
Expressing Spirit in matter.
The source of inspiration of Arati’s work is his spiritual quest.
Arati’s work has a sacred, archaïc character that recalls paintings and tapestries of ancient cultures in which the awareness of inner values was alive. Yet in their own way, Arati’s works are contemporary expressions of his own spiritual experience. This is why Arati’s works posses a energizing harmonizing quality. This makes them especially suited for centers of personal growth, spas and health centers, medical cabinets and meditation halls. They can also contribute to a balanced and vibrant atmosphere in conference and seminar rooms in the business and political world as well as in private residences.
In this work, coloured surfaces and textures, sometimes in part composed in relief, together with symbolic forms and ornamental design, are organized in symmetrical structures, often predominated by the vertical and suggesting a dynamic energy center. Many layers of often very thin paper together form a skin-like body, creating the ground for these holistic works.
Expanding beyond the traditional, rigid rectangular paintings of his earlier pe-
riods, the new works have made way for freer forms and shapes, like banners and hangings, and vestments such as chasubles and robes – all totally made of paper.
Arati, the art of tomorrow?
We live in a time in which the great majority of humanity has lost awareness of their inherent spiritual identity. This fact is consequently reflected in today’s artistic creations in general.
However, in the future, man will gradually become aware again of his spiritual origin. This process has already started in some, including Arati and ever-growing numbers of men and women.
Here we find the reason for the essential distinction between the work of artists like Arati and most of the art produced in our time.
For now, then, Arati is one of those artists who might be considered an outsider in the world of art today, but who is all the more valorized by spiritual “insiders”! Those for whom, by right efforts, have opened their hearts and minds to the Love and Unity which flows through the Universe – these spiritual people will feel a deep affinity with that which inspires and stimulates Arati’s work.
Arati has often declared, full of gratitude, that his work today could only have come into being through the ongoing inspiration that he has graciously recieved from his spiritual teacher and guide, Jivanmukta Swami Ganapati.
The purpose of every artist is to become more and more connected with the Universal Creative Spirit.
In art we find a possibility to cause genuine transformation in the quality of consciousness of the spectator.
Here we find art that nourishes, bringing us closer and closer to awareness of the universal beauty and mystery of our inner selves.
