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                                                                                                                                                                 © Andrew Annenberg

JEWEL of AMRITA
(Original: Oil on Canvas, 72" X96")
From the Lost World Series

JEWEL of AMRITA reveals the ancient Cambodian metropolis of Angkor Wat, recognized as the third largest monument in the world. A race known as the Khymers inhabited this complex, originating a style of architecture unrivaled in grandeur and scale even by the Pharoahs of Egypt. Within the magical and essential waterways of this civilization, Annenberg envisions its monumental ruins. The Hindu and Buddhist foundation in the Khymer architecture present the promise of eternal prosperity and happiness. The legendary god-mountain, the stepped pyramidal structures, symbolize divine origin and absolute power. Fourenormous faces crowning the foreground tower communicate in physical and spiritual substance the onmipotence of the earthly and heavenly ruler.

A prominent Hindu creation myth is dramatized in the array of these sculptural friezes. Supernatural forces join together, churning the world mountain (pyramid) in the primal void of "Sea of Milk" (ocean) producing the drink of immortality, a mythic ambrosia called "Amrita". The "Jewel of Amrita"; the light of life, abides within the god-mountain at the center of the universe. The guardians of earth, sea, and sky preserve and send this archetypal message to all who observe.