Sacred Geometry: Art of the Mandala

Sacred Geometry: Art of the Mandala will be presented at Life Force Arts Center Gallery, 3148 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, from February 19 – March 31, 2010. This art show explores contemporary artists’ creations of mandalas, which artist Diogenes Lamarche defines as “visual compositions, usually based in a circular pattern, that incorporate different symbolic and geometric patterns that can lead to shifts in consciousness, perspectives, and energy flow.” The exhibit includes paintings, sculpture, and mixed media, and features a variety of approaches to the mandala.

The show’s opening reception is Friday, February 19, from 6 – 10 pm and features presentations by Diogenes Lamarche  on “The Mandala Connection” and Steve Adams on “Crystals, Mandalas, and Meditation.” Admission is free and gallery hours are by appointment. For more information, contact 773-327-7224 or www.LifeForceArts.org.

According to Wikipedia, in various spiritual traditions mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart, or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the Universe from the human perspective.

Pat Otto, one of the artists represented in Art of the Mandala, is also an art teacher and art therapist. She says, “I like creating and facilitating art that enables people to express themselves from deep inside. I work hands-on with simple, easily accessible materials so people can express themselves through art whenever they feel the need. I approach the mandala in its most basic form, as a circle shape that creates a safe and sacred space for expression. The circle puts a frame around an experience the artist would like to explore. Then the artist works from an intuitive and instinctual place, often finding surprising meanings and connections in his or her life. The circle also allows the artist to feel his or her energy radiating out symmetrically from the center. As Carl Jung said, mandalas are a symbol for the Self-seeking wholeness, and they are a vehicle for healing.”

Another artist in the show, Steve Adams, says, “Crystals grow in sacred geometric patterns, and their properties have been used since ancient times for healing and magical purposes. As an energy healer myself, I help clients through using crystals to balance their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy. These properties make crystals ideal materials for creating sacred mandalas for use in meditation, and I am making three crystal mandalas for this show: the Green Man, the Sri Yantra, and the Celtic Cross.”

Life Force Arts Center is Chicago’s space for spiritually-based visual, literary, and performing art. The Center presents dance, theater, music, performance art, authors, and visual artists who work in many spiritual traditions, including shamanic, goddess, earth-centered, visionary, angelic, yogic, and other spiritually uplifting paths.

Life Force Arts Center defines spiritual art as:

art that flows from spiritual practice.
art that strives to connect the audience with Spirit.
art that creates spiritual healing. transformation or awakening.