From Canvas to Living Color: Ritual and Sonic Dimensions in the Bhakti Art of Syamarani Dasi
Publication information:
Abstract
This presentation explores the devotional paintings of Srimati Syamarani Dasi within the Chaitanya Vaishnava Bhakti tradition, highlighting how her work dissolves boundaries between visual art, sonic expression, and sacred ritual. Grounded in a living spiritual lineage, Syamarani’s paintings function not simply as artistic representations but are deeply integrated with the experience of sacred sound and acts of worship in homes and temples worldwide. Engaging with the work of a female spiritual teacher and master artist, this workshop will explore the visual, literary, and performing arts in the Krishna-bhakti tradition, with a particular focus on the Supreme Goddess, Sri Radha.
Presenter Biographies
Syamarani Dasi, one of the few female gurus in her lineage, is a master Bhakti Artist with 300+ works over six decades. An early disciple of Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, she is also the author of several books on devotional art and the teachings of bhakti-yoga. She is the founder of Sacred Vedic Arts in Miami.
Manjari Dasi is a teacher, kirtan singer, and artist dedicated to creating transformative experiences through sacred sound. Raised in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition and apprenticed under Syamarani Dasi, she holds an MFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Based in India, she travels globally to share bhakti arts and teachings.
Abeer Saha is Curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. He holds a PhD in History from the University of Virginia. His research focuses on science and technology studies, global environmental and agricultural history, and South Asian religions. In 2023, he curated the exhibition “Reconstructing Weatherbreak.