The blessing before the journey – Light & Colour of Temples Series by Sivabalan
£7,800.00
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Sivabalan
The blessing before the journey – Light & Colour of Temples Series by Sivabalan
Light & Colour of Temples series
£7,800.00 Framed
Drawn to scale: the wall is 3 m high and the artwork is hung with its centre 150 cm from the floor, the height galleries use.
Point the camera at your wall, drag the artwork into place and use the slider (or pinch) to size it. Framed 152.4 × 122.0 cm — for reference, a standard door is about 200 cm high.
- Medium
- Acrylic on Stretched Cotton/linen canvas, Varnished
- Dimensions
- Image size 152.4 x 122 cm
- Edition
- 1 of 1
- Reference
- SIV-LCT-008 · Artist ref 8008
The story
Every meaningful journey begins long before the first step is taken.
Before setting out into the unknown, people seek reassurance, guidance, and blessings. Across India, countless journeys begin before an image of Lord Ganesha, the deity invoked at the start of new chapters, new ventures, and new possibilities.
In The Blessing Before the Journey, Sivabalan captures this universal moment of preparation and faith. The richly decorated temple elephant extends its trunk toward the sacred presence of Ganesha, creating a visual gesture of respect, devotion, and connection.
The elephant itself carries deep symbolism. Revered for its intelligence, memory, and strength, it has long been associated with spiritual processions and temple ceremonies. Positioned alongside Ganesha, the elephant becomes both participant and witness in a ritual that has been repeated for generations.
The monochromatic treatment of the deity suggests timelessness and permanence, while the vibrant flowers, ceremonial textiles, and temple decorations represent the living traditions that continue to surround these sacred figures today.
Ultimately, the painting speaks to a human truth. Whether our journey is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we often pause before beginning. We seek clarity. We offer gratitude. We ask for protection.
This is the moment before the first step. The blessing before the journey.
Supplied with a serialised Ivory & Ink certificate of authenticity and framed in the UK by a Guild Certified framer.
In The Blessing Before the Journey, Sivabalan brings together two of the most beloved symbols of Hindu devotion: Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles and guardian of new beginnings, and the temple elephant, a living embodiment of wisdom, strength, and sacred tradition.
The composition is both powerful and intimate. Ganesha sits adorned with vibrant garlands and offerings, rendered in soft monochromatic tones, while the richly decorated temple elephant enters from the right, alive with colour, ornamentation, and presence. The contrast between the muted stone deity and the vivid ceremonial adornments creates a striking visual dialogue between permanence and celebration.
Through this balance of stillness and movement, the artist captures a moment of reverence, anticipation, and blessing.
Acrylic on Stretched Cotton/linen canvas, Varnished. Image size 152.4 x 122 cm (unframed). 1 of 1.
Reference SIV-LCT-008
