Mudra

A mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Buddhism. In Sanskrit, the word mudra means 'seal', and is a spiritual gesture made with the hands and fingers. In this self-portrait the artist holds his own hands cast in the form of mudras. In his right hand is the karana mudra, a powerful gesture for dispelling negative energy, while in his left is the gyan mudra, for opening oneself to knowledge. The doubling of hands, both real and cast, suggest grasping at a symbolic and spiritual language as a form of healing. Cloaked in black, out of a hooded jacket erupts black prismatic mineral that forms a mirror-mask protecting the wearer and reflecting the world back onto itself. Manganite has the healing power to let go of attachment and control, and to recognise that you are only responsible for your own actions and not for the actions of others.