A new book called Tantra Song brings to light an extraordinary series of abstract paintings, foreshadowing European abstraction by centuries. Unlike the later European movement, however, these do not come from a dissolution of value, but from capturing the essence of ancient wisdom. Each retains the symbolism of its Indian heritage, but is expressed in a strikingly free form, one which dispenses with all conventions of iconography to reimagine its vision of the subject. A New York Times article gives some idea of the symbolism involved.
17th century tantric image from Rajasthan
17th century tantric image from Rajasthan
This image represents purified consciousness
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