C.
F. JOHN
Bangalore
Paper
Title: "Body. Art. Spirituality - A Reflection Rooted in Earth and Life"
Abstract
What is
common in relation to both art and spiritualty is creativity? A way of seeing. The
creative mind of the artist and the creative mind of the spiritual seeker both
participate intimately in the world they observe. Both serve to understand the
nature and function of reality as a whole. For a
meaningful journey the inquiry has to be into the body and through the body - not outside of it. The emphasis on body has
surfaced in various scriptures and spiritual discourses from time to time.
Body can corrupt. It can tempt us to remain
concerned with minor interests, but this temptation has its limits. The corruption that the mind can
indulge in, however, is beyond imagination.
The cause and effect of much of our tension today is the indulgence of
mind. When we speak about this reality, attempting
to reveal its mystery, we inevitably speak in contradictions. The role of a
creative mind is to perceive the realms of reality that contradict the gushing
force of everyday reality. To make a
pause, to recognise the subtler realms that help us re-enter the reality with a
new vision.
The Nest
Sometimes we
spot them—
the birds
rushing with twigs, grass, and feathers.
An urgency
that is sacred.
An
anticipation, a purposefulness.
We smell
them in the air, the trees, and the soil.
A silent
song.
A continuum
she has no control over.
But her body
is full eyes,
watching all
the eyes —
the boy, the
snake, the cat,
and the
storm spiralling up.
What would
you call it,
this
persistence
of sacred
duty?
After
his studies in Philosophy, C.F. John opted for the Gurukul and had his
initiations’ in Art under Jyothi Sahi and Anthony Devasy. Apart from gallery
shows, involving other artists since 1993 John has also been organizing
site/theme specific art events using installations, dance and photography. Since
1991 John had four solo shows both in Germany and India and five two/three man
shows. He also had over 60
major group shows in India and abroad, including London and Paris. He is the awardee of the Arad International Biennale of Art, Romania (2005);
Honorable Mention, 10th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh (2002) and 42nd National
Exhibition of Art, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (2000). He is also selected by BBC Radio - 3 as one among 12 artists internationally
whose individual approaches have led to innovations in their field. www.cfjohnart.com
www.cfjohn.in