Across Centuries and the Earth
In these four large-scale paintings, Mullen explores the ways in which subtle, ephemeral vibrations can be given form on a canvas, using energetically-charged paint to create fields of color, light, and texture.
By directing selected audio into her raw materials, the artist captures the energetic imprint of specific sounds and texts, absorbing their vibration and distilling their qualities into the work. Mullen's inspiration is grounded in both ancient and modern ways of knowing, across centuries and the earth. In welcoming the ancient Indian texts the Vedas and the Upanishads into the work, she connects more deeply to their wisdom while honoring them as portals to a universal, aspiring consciousness. Dr. Masaru Emoto's investigations in The Hidden Messages in Water, finding that water is affected by and responds to consciousness, were also foundational for the artist in selecting her materials and guiding her process.
-From exhibition catalogue at the Dennos Museum
For more about process, visit: Residency Photos or Tusen Takk studio notes
Imprinted with the sacred Sanskrit syllable “Aum”, chanted by Sri Chinmoy.
Within multiple traditions “Aum” is considered the “seed-sound of the universe”. It prefaces all mantras from the Vedas, which hold the most ancient body of knowledge known to humanity.
With deep gratitude to Sri Chinmoy for his contemporary musical compositions of these ancient mantras, created and performed in a lofty state of consciousness.
Music credit: Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.
Imprinted with the Gayatri Mantra, considered the most hallowed mantra of the Vedas and "mother of all the mantras“.
Aum bhur bhuvah svah
tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhimahi
dhiyo yo nah pracodayat
We meditate on the transcendental glory of the Deity Supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky and inside the soul of the Heaven. May He stimulate and illumine our minds.
This Vedic mantra was envisioned by the great Rishi, Vishwamitra. Sri Chinmoy writes: “The Gayatri Mantra is the most hallowed mantra of the Vedas. It is the mother of all the mantras…[It] can offer to the sincere seeker the Light of the Infinite, the Delight of the Eternal, and the Life of the Immortal.”
This musical composition was created and performed by Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.
Imprinted with the mantra from the Upanishads:
Anandaddhyeva khalvimani bhutani jayante
Anandena jatani jivanti
Anandam prayantyabhisamvisanti
From Delight we came into existence.
In Delight we grow.
At the end of our journey’s close, into Delight we retire.
This musical composition was created and performed by Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.
Imprinted with the mantra from the Upanishads:
Asato ma sad gamaya
Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya
Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya
Lead me from the Unreal to the Real.
Lead me from Darkness to Light.
Lead me from Death to Immortality.
“The Upanishads are intuitive revelations derived from the Vedas...For centuries, the firmament of India has resounded with this beloved and immortal prayer" - Sri Chinmoy
This musical composition was created and performed by Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.