A primal pattern found in nature since the beginning of time, the circle formation can be observed in crystals and minerals, raindrops and water ripples, the rings of trees, the shapes of seeds, fruits and flowers. It is present in basic and complex forms of life like microorganisms to the human iris and womb. The circle can also be observed in natural phenomena such as solar eclipses and the halos around the sun and moon.

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In fact, the shape and the movement of the circle (and the sphere) is so much a part of our reality that it serves as the perfect metaphor or expression that can encapsulate the meanings with which we use to describe and depict our observations and reactions. Examples are the cyclical qualities of many natural processes such as the changing of the weather and seasons, the movement of the sun, the transitions from birth, life to death which as cycles of existence, we use to represent time. It is also used to describe the results of human actions, of both the negative and positive, namely karmic cycles.

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While in geometry, which the ancient Greeks pursued as a sacred study, the circle is the foundation upon which all other geometric forms are generated, culminating with Islamic geometric patterns at its apex.  It is the parent of all shapes and is the method by which we measure and understand the world around us (think Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Vitruvian Man’). It is also thought of as building blocks of life and matter (the red blood cell, embryo, DNA strands, atomic and sub atomic particles) while in astronomy, the circle represents cyclical patterns of the celestial bodies; earth as well as other planets rotating on its’ own axis circling the sun which makes up our solar system.

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As a spiritual symbol, the circle is perceived as the ideal form; it unifies opposing forces in perfect symmetry and is an embodiment of wholeness; the unity of multiplicities. As a containment of energies it offers strength, protection and peace and in many cultures and beliefs, it usually symbolizes equilibrium, harmony and perfection. From our prehistoric and tribal ancestors to the great civilizations of the pasts, the circle reigns supreme as the ideal form to represent the sacred and omnipotent. From rock carvings, stone formations and cave paintings, to personal talisman, sacred community rituals and finally in the art and architecture of the many great religions of the world- think of the Pantheon, the stained glass rose windows of Catholic churches, the Hindu Yantras,  the Mandalas of Tibetan Buddhism, the Yin Yang symbol of Taoism and the majestic Islamic geometric patterns on the main domes of mosques around the world - the circle’s deep impact and influence on our imagination, way of life and consciousness is indeed profound.  In Jungian psychology, the appearances of the circle in dreams or therapy (especially in art therapy) are signs of distress and the fragmentation of the spirit which signal the need for the process of individuation while the circle is also a potent symbol in popular culture; as the peace symbol calling for nuclear disarmament to the circular tie-dyed patterns of the psychedelic movement that celebrates the ‘creative exuberance of the mind liberated from its ostensibly ordinary fetters’.

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The latest installment of the House of Matahati (HOM)’s ‘A Meter Diameter’ series focuses on the circle and sphere as the shape and form with which 18 participating artists uses as platform to create and express their artistic visions. Will the shape influence or alter the choice of subject matter, ways of looking at things, situations and methods of working with materials? Would this new assignment succeed in forcing us to step out of the ‘square’ frame of mind and think ‘wholly’ outside of the box? Is the circle a lens with which to zoom in and see private longings in detail or to expose hidden transgressions? Can a round frame capture and present romantic sentiments and cool detached observations more fully and satisfactorily? Or will the circle (and sphere) be use to highlight and celebrate the spiritual principles and logical foundations which underlies our existences?

     

The answers to those questions can only come from the artists themselves.

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The center of the circle is like the eye of the whirlwind or the whirlpool. It either radiates outwards or pulls inwards as bursts or as spirals, aided by symbols and archetypes which contains and enhances the extrovert or introvert, spiritual or material qualities inherent in the life of the artist and even the viewer. 

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The circle HOM leads us back full circle to the ‘house’ of our ‘Mata’ and ‘Hati’.

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