ELLA BREWER / Tiffany Singh
NEW ZEALAND, URI TANIWHA / New zealand, Indian, Samoan
In collaboration with:
Tiffany Singh
New Zealand
Shadows of the Awakened
The Shadows of The Awakened suite offers a translation of Buddhist Art from the Tibetan tradition for a contemporary audience. The works are made to serve as an awareness tool that supports a dialogue around the forgotten wisdom knowledge associated with the natural environment and Mother Earth.
The works materiality is an offering to honor our binding connection to nature. Samples of flora are included to acknowledge the medicinal properties of plants, as well as precious metals, seen as gifts from the earth’s crust, a jewel like offering to the deities. Whilst the use of New Zealand earth connects the artwork to the terra energies of Aotearoa.
The works are intended as meditation aids, with a deep belief in the power of the collective altar to heal. Bringing together works that speak to human connection, framed within our connection to Mother Earth, centered in the methodology of mindfulness practice. We wish to provide interconnected pathways between the arts, health and education. This allows the possibility for healing to occur, and through this healing of self, create stronger relationships to the earth and to each other. Buddhist thought provides all the essential guidance for a relationship to the natural world characterized by respect, care, and compassion.
Shakyamuni // Humanity
2020
Flower pressing, flower dyes, pure 24k gold leaf, earth
Sound collaboration with Riki Bennett (Taonga Puoro) and Abraham Kunin, the producer of the Dalai Lama, Inner World Album (Studio recording of Ella Brewer)
A teacher who lived 2,500 years ago. His teachings can be summarised like this;
Do not commit any non virtuous actions, perform only perfect virtuous actions, subdue your mind thoroughly — This is the teaching of the Buddha.
Vajravarahi // Compassion
2019
Flower pressing, flower dyes, precious metals, earth
This Buddha is depicted naked and dancing, symbolic of her total freedom from greed and ego clinging. She is activated by great transcendent passion and works intensely for the well being of others.
Namgyalma // Long Life
2018
Flower pressing, flower dyes, precious metals, earth
A female Buddha who shows the aspect of peace, semi wrath and fully wrathful aspects, indicating that an enlightened person is able to transform into whatever appearance is necessary to benefit others.
