Three Temple Banners c. 19th century

Editor: This is “Three Temple Banners,” a watercolour from the 19th century, here at Mia. The figures are so striking, so colorful and bold! What do you see in this piece, particularly in terms of symbolism? Curator: Immediately, the stylized figures speak volumes. The central figure is likely Jagannath's sibling Subhadra, flanked by Jagannath on the right and elder brother Balabhadra on the left, though the pigment choices here deviate from what you might expect based on standardized religious iconography. How do these figures prompt questions for you about cultural identity or religious tradition? Editor: The skin colors are quite distinct and draw my attention immediately. The central figure seems brighter, with yellow skin and slightly different regalia. Curator: Precisely! Colors carry immense symbolic weight. Black, white, and yellow traditionally signify very specific things in this devotional context. What psychological effects might they generate in viewers, considering how such figures become objects of devotion and contemplation? What narratives are they referencing? Editor: I never thought about how colors can have an emotional weight in art, almost like characters themselves. I see a reference to ideas of gender, the relation between siblings, the relation of all to the devotee… Thanks so much! Curator: The power of iconic representation lies in its capacity to channel a range of possible meanings through cultural memory. It is ever shifting, based on location and time. Thanks for engaging with me about this beautiful artwork!