Chandra Morkonda

I am deeply fascinated by trees — not only as natural forms but as sacred symbols, intertwined with mythology and divinity. In Indian tradition, plants and trees hold profound cultural and spiritual significance. Sacred species such as the neem, banyan, and pipal are revered for their auspicious qualities, healing properties, or their associations with deities from the Hindu pantheon. The Kalpavriksha, for instance — the mythic wish-fulfilling tree born of the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean) — exemplifies nature’s divine potential. Trees feature prominently in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist literature and iconography as symbols of abundance, protection, and spiritual awakening.

In my paintings, the tree takes on a sacred identity — depicted as an embodiment of deities like Maha Vishnu, Maha Lakshmi, Shiva, and Shakti. Each divine form is accompanied by its Vahana — the sacred mount or vehicle — which in Hindu mythology represents a dynamic spiritual relationship. These Vahanas, ranging from animals to birds, are not mere accessories but are symbolic extensions of the deity’s power, virtues, or role in overcoming negative forces. Through these pairings, I explore the moral and metaphysical layers embedded in nature worship.

Beyond their spiritual resonance, my works are a visual ode to nature. The vivid palette and lush, dreamlike landscapes evoke a sense of sacred ecology — an imagined realm where nature is exalted, yet its fragility is also acknowledged. Animals appear frequently in my canvases, not only as divine companions but also as vulnerable beings facing existential threats. Their presence is both symbolic and urgent — calling attention to the destructive consequences of human actions: environmental neglect, exploitation, and ecological imbalance.

Through metaphor and symbolism, my paintings aim to reflect a world where mythology and ecology converge — a landscape that honours the divine spirit of nature while raising awareness of the fragile coexistence we so often take for granted.