Nikki Parmenter Artworks

The mandala, traditionally an aid to meditation, is made up of a symmetrical system of circles and squares. One of the ancient art forms of Tibet, they are rich in symbolism, pattern and colour. For Nikki Parmenter, the mandala is a thought-focus, providing an opportunity to immerse herself in the rich cultural identities of many different people.

"In a world where many people enjoy the quick fix of manufactured passive entertainment and designer labelled consumerism, I feel it is important to remain aware of the cultural heritage which underpins every society. It is a subject which holds endless fascination."

The quotation “the same sky” (from Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) sums up the inspiration behind this series of pieces. It is a journey into the mythology and symbolism invented by ancient cultures. It explores a variety of themes and how, despite geographical and religious differences, societies sought to rationalise the world around them by creating pieces of art and artefacts.

A main theme is the passage of time .... dawn, noon, sunset, night, the movement of the planets, the changing seasons .... and the ways in which these “invisible” elements were made in to visible entities to which were attached a series of structures and beliefs. In our contemporary society many of these connections and associations have been forgotten as technology, rather than the rhythm of nature, rules our lives.

New Work contains images of recent and current work in which the concepts behind the Same Sky series are broadened to encompass a broader range of subject matter, investigating specific themes such as, for example, bird and animal symbolism as seen by different cultures. The various different interpretations are fused together to create a harmonious whole.