‘Snakes are both feared and revered in India and they are also embodied within as tantric energy or vital life force - Shakti. Kundalini means “she who is coiled” and in yoga through breath control, the yogi awakens this energy/ the kundalini visualised at the base of the spine - and this serpentine life force rises up through the body uncoiling and coiling with the endless flow of breath inwards and outwards. The colours blue and red are associated with the cool (blue) inhalation and the hot (red) exhalation.

‘I’m interested in using rhythm, repetition, movement and colour while also thinking of “Ananta” a Sanskrit term associated with serpents to denote endlessness or infinity.… and of creation or “Srishti” with the circular notion of time and creation.

‘I practice yoga and have been using this very meditative, traditional Indian miniature-inspired art form, with its accompanying iconographical language to echo a journey within that I feel I’ve made since I moved to India 20 odd years ago.’
Olivia Fraser, Feb ‘25