Art from global philosopher Sri Chinmoy aims to inspire peace in Manjimup

West Australian

27-05-2025

A global philosopher, musician and sportsman has turned his talents to the arts with a new exhibition in Manjimup showing off the works of spiritual Indian artist Sri Chinmoy.
The Manjimup Art Gallery is hosting Art for Peace which features a sample of works by Chinmoy centred around birds.
Curator Grahak Cunningham said the works have been shown to the United Nations, New York, Parliament House in Canberra and the JFK Airport.
'He learnt to meditate for up to eight hours when he was still a child in India and he applied this skill when painting or drawing,' Mr Cunningham said.
'A multicultural place like Manjimup, which has so much nature and beauty around it, is the perfect place to have an exhibit dedicated to peace.
'Imbued with colour and a positive motif, the art aims to uplift the viewer. Hopefully people go away feeling more peaceful than when they came in.'
The current exhibit is on loan as part of a collection of Chinmoy's from New York where he resided until he died in 2007.
Promoting world harmony, hope and friendship, Chinmoy's art features his favourite motif — the 'soul-bird'.
'The bird knows no boundaries. It is a messenger of peace and freedom, born in the garden of the soul and taking flight in the heart,' the artist said.
'If you do not find peace inside your own heart then you will not find it anywhere else on Earth.'
His other distinct style of abstract work is also on display in Manjimup, which he called 'Jharna-Kala' meaning fountain art.
Chinmoy said he believed anyone had a creative capacity, ready to burst forth like a fountain.
'A fountain is something that comes from within spontaneously, without any outer strain. It is something effortless, easy,' he said.
Interspersed amongst the artwork are comments the exhibition has drawn from humanitarian leaders, including Nelson Mandela.
'We are a single humanity. We must work together, united as one, to build a world of justice and harmony for all,' Mr Mandela said.
'Within each of us lies the power to build a world where we respect each other's beliefs, understand each other's culture and support each other's values. A world where hatred, pain and suffering have no place.
'This is the great cause of world peace to which my dear friend Sri Chinmoy devoted his life and to which his paintings are dedicated.'
The works are on display until June 21.