Inspiration:
This piece takes inspiration from Pumpkin Geometry, an idea pioneered by mathematicians Henry
Segerman of Oklahoma State University and Saul Schleimer of the University of Warwick. In their
work, a 3D sphere is transformed into a 2D map using stereographic projection — where light and
shadow are used to flatten a curved surface onto a plane, revealing every point of the sphere in one
view.
Road trip to Wandoor beach in Andamaan and Nicobar Islands reveal serene lakes dotted with
lotuses and stretches of mangrove forests whose stilted roots make them look like trees walking
alongside the road.
Brief Description of the Artwork:
A man steps out of a water-formed globe of illusion, where a perfect world of inverted skies
and blooming blue lilies once held him. Beside him walks a mangrove tree -nature itself- as he leaves
projection behind and becomes one with the real lake and sky.
Description of the Artwork:
This artwork depicts a man standing within a water-formed globe that represents the world of his
illusions and beliefs. At his feet lies a projection of his "perfect world" — a reality shaped by illusion,
where the lake and sky are inverted. The globe, composed of water, casts a projection that resembles
the sky. Within this projection float blue water lily buds, with only one designated path bearing
blossoming lilies. The surface is unnaturally still, with no ripples — a flawless, controlled world of his
own making.
Through the understanding of his true nature, the man transcends this illusionary sphere and steps out
into reality. Outside the globe, there is no projection, no inverted realms, and no forced perfection —
only a plain lake beneath a clear sky. In leaving the constructed world behind, he becomes –“one with
nature”.
This piece explores the transition from self-imposed illusion to authenticity, using the inversion of
natural elements to symbolize distorted perception, and the act of stepping out as the return to truth
and simplicity.
Choice of Elements:
• Blue Water Lily
The buds vs. blooms show the difference between potential and actualization.
Inside the illusion, the blue lilies: guided perfection and spiritual ideals we chase, growth is
controlled and selective.
Outside the illusion, they disappear: because when you become “one with nature”, you don’t
need symbols of enlightenment anymore. You live it.
Wisdom & Victory of Spirit: The blue lotus specifically represents “wisdom and knowledge”.
It’s the flower of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom.
• Incorporating the mangrove tree
Through understanding his true nature, the man breaks free from the sphere.
As he steps out, he is no longer alone. “Walking beside him is a mangrove tree” — roots
exposed, moving with him step by step. The mangrove represents nature itself: resilient,
grounded, and life-giving. It thrives in both water and land, in chaos and stillness, without
needing to be perfect.
Meaning:
The water-globe is illusion. The flipped projection is how we distort life to fit our beliefs.
The mangrove is truth. It doesn’t need to be mapped or controlled. It simply grows alongside us when
we choose to leave illusion behind.
To be “one with nature” is to walk with it, not to project onto it.
Mood: Quiet liberation. The moment belief ends and life begins.
