praying hands

Balinese artist Made Pasek Kusuma Wijay chooses to express his plea for world peace in a painting depicting a woman's prayer. "The state of the world is not fine, given the many wars, conflicts between countries and very heartbreaking human tragedies," says the artist. "Let us pray sincerely that the world situation will return to peace as we strive to live a more simple, carefree life with mutual respect and tolerance between our existing differences. Despite the conditions of the world, we always yearn for peace itself.

"Galloping across a surreal mountain landscape, a team of horses carries forward the hope of an entire society from the lofty reality of the highlands to the life of the commoner below. Riding on the back of a bird resembling the Hindu god of strength, Garuda, a faceless woman prays to the divine spirits, having passed through a period of blood and turbulence. Garuda also prays with his human-like hands as if to encourage himself to continue his mission of vigilance.

"Reflected in the grass of the mountains, the woman's prayers mirror above and below the path of the raptor, symbolizing the transverse support from across the country for her mission. A handshake arises from the woman's mind in a floral accord between two immortal parties.

"In a world plagued by conflict and the horrors of violence, the woman's prayer, the subtle handshake and the impressive flight of the god of strength prescribe peace for all of humanity. Realism cannot deliver this humane desire to reality.

"Scaled to surreal proportions, the woman's prayers make multiple appearances in increasing size, while the mighty bird soars above an entire team of horses, with various hands apparent."

Balinese artisan Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family handcrafts this suar wood sculpture depicting Rama and Sita. They are the protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, The Ramayana, where the king Rama questions his wife Sita's fidelity. The image is sculpted and hand painted with exquisite details, including the ornate costume and headdresses of the king and queen. The artisan carries on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata.

Rendered in a pointillist style, the Virgin of Guadalupe clasps her hand in silent prayer. Mexican artist Laura Villanueva paints this original composition, working in oils and acrylics on canvas. The Virgin's cloak is spangled with stars in the inspirational painting.

Angel del Palacio illustrates this moody scene of a Maya woman deep in prayer and surrounded by the smoke of copal incense as she makes an offering. As is customary in Chiapas, she wears her long hair in braids, and her traditional huipil blouse, skirt and belt are woven by hand. The Mexican artist uses the gouache technique for this evocative portrait. The painting is mounted on a pinewood stretcher and covered with a protective pane of glass.

Titled "La Ofrenda" in Spanish.