An 'energizing' exhibition of sculptures

New Delhi, Feb 6 A trained doctor and spiritual healer, German sculptress Beate Neuman is fascinated by what are known in Indian yogic system as chakras or the energy centres of the human body. And this is quite evident by the huge bronze discs displayed in her exhibition at the capital.

'I learnt about chakras from Reiki, which is a spiritual healing method, and since then they have been the inspiration for my work,' she said Tuesday, pointing at the nine bronze discs weighing over 30 kg exhibited at the India Habitat Centre.

'The throat chakra for instance is a feminine chakra for me because it signifies communication and expression,' Neuman added while holding the 29 kg bronze chakra with a butterfly carved on it.

The exhibition titled 'Transformation: Art, Energy and Healing' is dominated by flowing forms, which according to the artiste, is the movement of energy.

Working primarily on marble, the carved figures look abstract but they have an air of solid subtlety with an unmistakable form of movement.

'There is the movement of energy everywhere, be it in stones or in the human body. I have tried to transfer my energy into these sculptures,' she explained.

By sheer co-incidence, one of the sculptures that depicts a spiral movement and has golden leaves sprinkled on it looks like Hindu God Ganesha.

Though she admits that she does not like working on definite forms, she has carved a double human face on a block of green stone from Rajasthan. Bird-woman, another sculpture, depicts feathers and beak of a bird but the curves of a woman.

Delicate looking copper wire baskets were also on display. 'Knitting copper wires is a very tedious task but the end result is worth a look,' remarked Neumann.

Although the exhibition showcased a year's work of Neuman, there is an abstract piece carved out of cedar wood and weighing about 120 kg! 'This one has always stayed with me,' she smiled.

The exhibition is on till Feb 10.

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

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