Approaching the Formless: the non-figurative art of the Hindu traditions and its relevance to a contemporary arts practice

The aim of the research is to gain a deeper understanding of the non-figurative imagery of the Vedic and Tantric traditions through an Arts Practice as Research methodology. The research engages with traditional arts practices, and considers whether the practice of copying sacred artworks is able to inform a contemporary arts practice. The research questions whether the minimalist ‘lack of signifiers’ in the artwork allows a more immediate relationship with the work itself; relationship which enables ‘experience’ without commentary and interpretation. It questions whether this distillation might allow image to speak more easily across cultures, and may contribute to the wide appeal of these Indian abstractions. The research revisits and re-contextualizes the question of similarities to minimal works of certain western artists, and considers whether this approach to the formless Absolute may instill the work with a sense of awe, which is described within the Indian traditions according to the concepts of rasa.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hill, Sandra

• BL Crefydd
• N Celfyddydau gweledol (Cyffredinol) Am ffotograffiaeth , gweler TR

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3748