The mandala, traditionally an aid to meditation, is made up of a
symmetrical system of circles and squares. One of the ancient
art forms of Tibet, they are rich in symbolism, pattern and colour.
For Nikki Parmenter, the mandala is a thought-focus,
providing an opportunity to immerse herself in the rich cultural
identities of many different people.
"In a world where many people enjoy the quick
fix of manufactured passive entertainment and designer labelled
consumerism, I feel it is important to remain aware of the cultural
heritage which underpins every society. It is a subject which
holds endless fascination."
The Same Sky
The quotation “the same sky” (from Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are Dead) sums up the inspiration behind this series of pieces.
It is a journey into the mythology and symbolism invented by ancient cultures.
It explores a variety of themes and how, despite geographical and religious
differences, societies sought to rationalise the world around them by creating
pieces of art and artefacts.
A main theme is the passage of time .... dawn, noon, sunset, night, the
movement of the planets, the changing seasons .... and the ways in which these
“invisible” elements were made in to visible entities to which were attached
a series of structures and beliefs. In our contemporary society many of
these connections and associations have been forgotten as technology,
rather than the rhythm of nature, rules our lives.
New Work
New Work contains images of recent and current work in which the concepts
behind the Same Sky series are broadened to encompass a broader range of subject
matter, investigating specific themes such as, for example, bird and animal
symbolism as seen by different cultures.
The various different interpretations are fused together to create a harmonious whole.
