green makeup

Artist Rawat Vongla of Thailand works in acrylic on canvas to create this original composition, which features the Greco-Buddhist representation of Buddha. The Hellenistic influence on images of Buddha can be seen in the idealistic realism of the figures, the draped clothing so typical of Greek statues, and the curled hair which is representative of the Mediterranean. Vongla uses a muted palette of purple, rose, blue and green to create a dream-like feeling.

Originating in the Mithila region of India, Madhubani painting is a traditional style of folk art typically reserved for women. It often celebrates Hindu themes, as well as the harmony between people and nature. Working in the Madhubani style, Vidushini paints this folk art composition, depicting the Hindu god Lord Shiva with his bride, the goddess Parvati. Depicted in green, Shiva holds a trishul, or trident in one hand, and a drum in the other. Parvati holds a lotus blossom and a conch shell in her hands. The loving couple is framed by snakes and natural motifs. Ardhnareshwar, or Ardhanarishvara, refers to Shiva and Parvati coming together to create one being.

Ardhanarishwar, the union of Hindu divinities Shiva and Parvati, symbolizes the inseparability of masculine and feminine energies. Devendra Kumar Jha and Family in India depict the majestic deity on handmade paper with natural dyes in traditional Madhubani style. The left half of the figure, painted in bold blue hues, represents Shiva, holding the trident and adorned with serpents and ascetic symbols. The right half, in warm yellow and red, portrays Parvati, holding a lotus and kalash, embodying fertility, beauty and grace. The intricate details of attire, ornaments and background motifs—lush green foliage, patterned textiles and vibrant dotted fields—are rendered with meticulous brushwork, characteristic of Madhubani’s fine line style. The symmetrical composition radiates balance and harmony, celebrating the cosmic principle of duality and oneness.

Bright and colorful acrylic brushstrokes paint a mythical scene from the ancient era. Sunil Jaiswal of India creates this impressionist composition where Vamana Avatar, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, assumes a giant form to take the first step to bring justice to Earth.

The artwork arrives signed and unstretched.

Balinese artist Made Pasek Kusuma Wijay chooses to express his plea for world peace in a painting depicting a woman's prayer. "The state of the world is not fine, given the many wars, conflicts between countries and very heartbreaking human tragedies," says the artist. "Let us pray sincerely that the world situation will return to peace as we strive to live a more simple, carefree life with mutual respect and tolerance between our existing differences. Despite the conditions of the world, we always yearn for peace itself.

"Galloping across a surreal mountain landscape, a team of horses carries forward the hope of an entire society from the lofty reality of the highlands to the life of the commoner below. Riding on the back of a bird resembling the Hindu god of strength, Garuda, a faceless woman prays to the divine spirits, having passed through a period of blood and turbulence. Garuda also prays with his human-like hands as if to encourage himself to continue his mission of vigilance.

"Reflected in the grass of the mountains, the woman's prayers mirror above and below the path of the raptor, symbolizing the transverse support from across the country for her mission. A handshake arises from the woman's mind in a floral accord between two immortal parties.

"In a world plagued by conflict and the horrors of violence, the woman's prayer, the subtle handshake and the impressive flight of the god of strength prescribe peace for all of humanity. Realism cannot deliver this humane desire to reality.

"Scaled to surreal proportions, the woman's prayers make multiple appearances in increasing size, while the mighty bird soars above an entire team of horses, with various hands apparent."