WOMB OF TIME
Cosmic Heart Gallery, in collaboration with The 8888 Consultaancy, is honoured to present “Womb of Time,” an evocative exhibition by the celebrated artist Professor Dr, Udayraj A Gadnis. This collection, deeply resonant with the spirit of Navratri, celebrates the divine grace and nurturing presence of the Devi, the quintessential feminine energy that encompasses all creation.
Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, is celebrated with great reverence and joy throughout the nation. It is a time when devotees honour the various forms of the Divine Feminine, invoking her blessings of strength, prosperity, and wisdom. This exhibition serves as a visual homage to the auspiciousness of this festival, reflecting the vibrancy and devotion with which it is celebrated.
In this series, Gadnis explores the infinite and timeless nature of the Divine Feminine. Through his vivid abstract compositions, he captures the essence of the Devi as the primordial source — the womb from which time itself is birthed. The spirals in his art are powerful symbols of the cyclical nature of time and existence, representing continuous growth and evolution. Each canvas pulsates with vibrant hues, reflecting the boundless power and beauty of the goddess, who is both the creator and sustainer of life.
The artworks are a visual ode to the Devi’s presence, which resides in everything. They depict her as the cosmic womb that nurtures and nourishes, the source of all existence, where beginnings and endings merge seamlessly. With masterful strokes and an intuitive play of colour, Gadnis transcends the physical, offering a glimpse into the metaphysical — the unseen essence of the divine that flows through all of creation / all living beings.
Each painting is an invitation to experience the sacred dance of life that the Devi orchestrates. The bold, flowing forms and intricate textures embody her dynamic energy, her creative impulse that manifests in myriad forms. The palette, ranging from fiery reds to tranquil blues, echoes her many facets — from the fierce protector to the compassionate mother, from the fierce warrior to the serene nurturer.
The inclusion of Shiva highlights the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies, a harmony achieved through creation and destruction, embodying a dance of divine equilibrium. This portrayal of the Divine Masculine complements the Devi’s nurturing essence, underscoring the interdependence of these forces in sustaining the cosmos.
The Sri Yantra, depicted in 24-carat gold, is the focal point of the exhibition, symbolizing the cosmos and the divine feminine energy. This sacred geometric pattern embodies the unity of masculine and feminine principles, with the upward triangles representing Shiva (masculine) and the downward triangles symbolizing Shakti (feminine). Converging at the bindu, the central point of creation where all existence begins, the Sri Yantra invokes the blessings of Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, each representing a unique aspect of prosperity and well-being: Adi Lakshmi, primeval prosperity; Dhana Lakshmi, wealth; Dhanya Lakshmi, harvest and abundance; Gaja Lakshmi, strength and royalty; Santana Lakshmi, progeny; Veera Lakshmi, courage; Vijaya Lakshmi, victory; and Vidya Lakshmi, knowledge and education. The gold in the painting reflects the eternal and divine nature of these blessings, transforming the Sri Yantra into a meditative focal point that invites the energies of creation, abundance, and harmony into all aspects of life.
As you journey through “Womb of Time,” may you connect with the eternal rhythm of the Devi’s presence, the source of all creation and the ultimate refuge. In the auspiciousness of Navratri, may these artworks serve as a reminder of her omnipotent grace and her nurturing love that envelops us all.
ABOUT PROF. DR. UDAYRAJ A GADNIS
Professor Dr. Udayraj A. Gadnis, a celebrated Indian spiritual artist, was born on March 10, 1966, in Mumbai, India, to a family with a rich artistic and cinematic heritage. Initially trained as a psychologist, Udayraj experienced a profound spiritual awakening at the age of 24, which led him to discover his innate talent for painting—a gift that required no formal instruction. His transformative journey into the world of art began as a self-taught visionary, and he later pursued a Master’s in Fine Arts from Middlesex University in London, solidifying his reputation in the field.
With over 30 years of experience and more than 3,000 artworks to his name, Udayraj is celebrated for pioneering the Spiritual Art Movement, seamlessly blending ancient Indian philosophies with contemporary art. His work integrates profound spiritual texts and philosophies, ranging from the Vedas and Upanishads to Sufism and Zen, offering viewers a visual narrative that is as intellectually enriching as it is emotionally evocative.
Often referred to as “The Prince of Indian Contemporary Art” and “The Sage of Indian Contemporary Art,” Udayraj’s artistic journey has been marked by persistence, passion, and philosophical depth. His contributions to the field have significantly shaped Indian spiritual art post-independence, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. He was honored with an honorary doctorate by the reputed Sanskriti University in 2024, presented by former President Ram Nath Kovind, recognizing his unparalleled impact on fine arts and the humanities.
Udayraj’s prolific career includes over 34 solo exhibitions worldwide, with recent notable showcases such as “The Durgasaptashati” at Nehru Center Art Gallery, Mumbai (2024), “Suryakal” at the Bihar Museum Biennale (2023), and “Devi” at The White House Trust Gallery, England (2023). His works are housed in prestigious locations, including the National Museum in London and the British Parliament.
Now based in London, Dr. Udayraj Gadnis continues to inspire and elevate contemporary spiritual art, using his profound spiritual knowledge and mastery in creative expression to touch hearts globally.
ABOUT COSMIC HEART GALLERY
“India’s renowned spiritual art gallery, with a heart for divinity.”
Cosmic Heart Gallery, nestled in a vibrant neighbourhood in South Bombay, began as a passion project for Jalpa H Vithalani’s love for art. Launched in 2012, the Gallery has hosted over 300 exhibitions and events in its 12 years of existence.
The Gallery was birthed in a dream, and has since become a platform to showcase extraordinary talent from within the country and beyond its borders.
Marking its 12th Anniversary, The Gallery has joined hands with Prof. Dr. Udayraj A Gadnis, to bring a special showcase, “Womb of Time”, that reflects its incredible journey that has been blessed with the grace of the divine since the very beginning.
Believing the Gallery to be an incredible present from the universe and her parents, Mr. H K Vithalani & Indira Vithalani, Jalpa imbues in the space frequencies that ignite creativity, shift perspectives and embrace healing energies.
As the Founder & Creative Director, she has spun a tale of unique experiences for the gallery’s patrons, operating from heightened creative sensibilities, innate instinct, and the belief that art transforms space and time to bring home positive frequencies.
From a one-of-a-kind musical evening at the Haji Ali Dargah showcasing calligraphic art straight from Persia, presenting the original limestone presses of Raja Ravi Varma, showcasing Indian artists at ArtBAB in Bahrain under the patronage of Her Royal Highness, Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife Of His Majesty The King Of Bahrain, working closely with renown Sir JJ School of Art and its students, to representing the country at international forums like the United Nations, and being part of the prestigious Arts Committee for Business & Professional Women International (present in 100 countries), the gallery has a long-standing relationship with the art fraternity across the world.
Cosmic Heart Gallery has partnered with several organisations for the exchange of art & culture, creating a world without borders.
Creating exponential impact with its recent exhibition, “Eye of the Tiger,” the gallery collaborated with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, Bittu Sahgal, Sanctuary Nature Foundation, Yes Private-Yes Bank, and The Ranthambore School of Art, aiming to spark conversations about conservation and provide a platform for the village artists from Ranthambore.
The Gallery simply believes in exquisite art that delights. ‘Womb of Time’ is the beginning of another beautiful journey for its patrons.
