This artwork focuses on the spirituality of Diwali: the Hindu festival of lights, utilising the rainbow as inspiration. Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Glass vessels filled with spices and other materials were used to create a rainbow arc hanging from the gallery ceiling.
An intricate mandala covering the entire floor sits underneath, made up of plain and coloured rice, along with beeswax figures and forms. In creating this mandala, the pattern was first marked out on the floor and then each different colour of rice was carefully poured and laid in place.
Rice is a ritual offering to the goddess Lakshmi, often associated with Diwali, and provides a strong connection to women and fertility. Indra's Bow is a masterpiece of meticulous planning, design and execution, creating a stunning and immersive artwork.
Outside the museum another work by Tiffany, The Colours of Light, continues the rainbow motif. Celebrating the spectral colours of light, hundreds of colourful ribbons hang from wires strung across the forecourt. Tied to the ribbons are handmade bells providing gentle music as the ribbons are caught in the breeze.
The bells were made in Kutch, a district of Gujarat in India, and their rich tone reflects the mastery of the maker. This component of the work reflects Tiffany's interest in fair trade and supporting artisan communities.
We're pleased that engaging Tiffany has contributed to this worthwhile endeavour. As is the case with the permanent public artwork Pin Wall, having art on the outside of the building not only adds colour and life but also invites the community to engage with the museum both without and within.
There's a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear from Tiffany today at 11am. She'll be talking about her art practice, her interest in fair trade and social justice, along with the inspiration for the two artworks at the museum.
Together with A Glimpse of India these two art installations provide a richness of colour, scent and sound throughout the building.
Events:
Floor talk with artist Tiffany Singh, today at 11am. Free with museum entry.
New exhibition A Glimpse of India opens today.
Art installations Indra's Bow and The Colours of Light open today.
Lecturer Duncan Campbell talk on the History of China, Saturday, November 5, 10.30am at MTG. Free event.
Guided tour of Osmanthus Gardens, Cornwall Park, Hastings, with lecturer Duncan Campbell, Saturday 5 November 2:30pm. Free event but numbers are limited - please book through MTG.
Saturday, November 5, FAWC! Master Class series, Tickets available through eventfinda. $10 per session.
Laura Vodanovich is the director of the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG) Hawke's Bay.