18 Allegories of the Self
18 Allegories of the Self
Collaboration with Ranbir Kaleka
Oil and acrylic on canvas with video projection and music, 2011
Sound for single channel HD video projection on painted canvas
32 x 57 in | 81.3 x 144.8 cm
6 unique variations
Music: Satya Hinduja
Ranbir Kaleka elaborates on the use and significance of the number eighteen:
"The number eighteen appeared right to me.
In Jewish mysticism known as Gematria, the number eighteen means life or living. Donations to Jewish charities are routinely made in denominations of eighteen for that reason.
The Hindu epic Mahabharata has eighteen sections, involves eighteen armies and is about a war fought over eighteen days.
In Chinese tradition, the number eighteen means that one is going to prosper. Thus, building floors numbered eighteen are often very expensive in China.
In Chinese folklore, the Shaolin temple had a group of eighteen bronze monks. Initiates could only be considered full graduates of Shaolin martial arts if they could defeat them in combat.
The number of years in the Saros cycle of eclipses of the sun and moon is eighteen.
In some countries, the number eighteen means blood (relative).
In most countries eighteen is the age of majority.
In most countries eighteen is the voting age.
In many countries eighteen is the age of sexual consent."
18 Allegories of the Self
Collaboration with Ranbir Kaleka
Oil and acrylic on canvas with video projection and music, 2011
Sound for single channel HD video projection on painted canvas
32 x 57 in | 81.3 x 144.8 cm
6 unique variations
Music: Satya Hinduja
Ranbir Kaleka elaborates on the use and significance of the number eighteen:
"The number eighteen appeared right to me.
In Jewish mysticism known as Gematria, the number eighteen means life or living. Donations to Jewish charities are routinely made in denominations of eighteen for that reason.
The Hindu epic Mahabharata has eighteen sections, involves eighteen armies and is about a war fought over eighteen days.
In Chinese tradition, the number eighteen means that one is going to prosper. Thus, building floors numbered eighteen are often very expensive in China.
In Chinese folklore, the Shaolin temple had a group of eighteen bronze monks. Initiates could only be considered full graduates of Shaolin martial arts if they could defeat them in combat.
The number of years in the Saros cycle of eclipses of the sun and moon is eighteen.
In some countries, the number eighteen means blood (relative).
In most countries eighteen is the age of majority.
In most countries eighteen is the voting age.
In many countries eighteen is the age of sexual consent."
