Existence: Non-existence (Asti: Nasti)

In Existence: Non-existence, we are presented with the simple yet profound images of a flag and a swan. On the surface, they are entirely different, yet they co-exist perfectly on the canvas. The painting explores the second axiom of non-absolutism: that every object exists based on its own substance, space, time, and modes, but does not exist in relation to others. The ‘swan’ is a swan because of its intrinsic nature, but it is ‘non-existent’ from the perspective of being a ‘flag’.

The illustration at the centre features four intertwined arms representing these four aspects of existence. Within a white circle lies the ‘anekantic eye,’ symbolizing continuity, surrounded by red waves of creation and a blue space of destruction. These are the three characteristic features of what is ‘real’.

The essence of this work is ‘non-absolutism,’ the idea that a ‘real’ thing is an integrated whole of an infinite number of attributes, even opposing ones. If there were no such oppositions, a thing would lose its reality.

Consider how you define yourself. Do you only define yourself by what you are? This painting invites you to reflect on how your identity is also shaped by what you are not, and how embracing both your ‘existence’ and your ‘non-existence’ makes you a complete, integrated whole.