The Lotus’ exterior beauty is to be admired, no doubt. But the beauty that lies underneath, below the mucky waters in which this flower often grows, has deeper meaning. This is precisely why this flower remains significant in many cultures. In eastern culture, for example, the lotus is a symbol of revival and purity. Artist Patrizio Landolfi paints his version of this sacred and magical flower in a piece commissioned by Art-ma.
What sets the lotus apart from other flowers is its life cycle. It blooms in perfect symmetry in the day, but at night it submerges into the water, only to resurface in the morning, unaffected and as beautiful as it was the previous day – almost like a cleansing ritual. This reemergence or rebirth is why it is so deeply symbolic for many. Ancient Egyptians, for example, believed the lotus had magical powers and could resurrect the dead.
The colours of a lotus also assume significance. A white lotus, much like the one seen in the artist’s piece, symbolises purity, while a yellow one represents spiritual enlightenment. Another reason why the lotus is also considered pure is its ability to grow in any conditions. It can bloom in the muddiest of waters. Buddhists believe the filthy surroundings represent material comforts and earthly desires, which the lotus is able to rise above – an important lesson in attaining spiritual solace.
In this piece, the lotus seems hidden behind a yellow veil resembling cob-webs, which can be interpreted as the artist’s vision of humanity as it currently exists. In a materialistic world, filled with baser emotions and devoid of any spiritual awakening, the desire to rise above and remain unstained with worldly temptations has been lost. Unless we cleanse this thought process, the meaning of life and death will continue to elude us.
This piece acts as a reminder of what is important to survive. Like the lotus, all we need is the will to live and emerge from traumatic experiences without accepting defeat. It is time to remove the cob-webs that surround us and start afresh, for tomorrow is a new day, which will bring new opportunities your way. This piece will therefore be a great addition, especially to your place of work or any creative space, for it will keep you motivated and ensure you never give up.