leanderkevin - Tumblr blog

[leanderkevin]

GUESS WHO JUST STARTED A YOUTUBE CHANNEL. Is this new to me? Yes. Am I freaking out as I’m typing? We don’t have to talk about that😀. Do I know what I’m doing? Or what I’m gonna do next? Take a guess. But hey! Here we are! We started something! Here’s to new beginnings! Please watch the video, share and subscribe🥹 #leanderscribbles #youtube https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSndsqP9dq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

Egmore Museum இல் I just realised that I did not do a photo dump of @cumnaughtygo and my trip to the Government Museum in Egmore, Chennai. The museum boasts a vast collection of sculptures, reliefs, bronzes and inscriptions from a huge range of religious and historical affiliations. However, I wish they did a better job of labelling and maintaining the pieces. I really wish IG allowed more pictures but oh well. #leanderscribbles #tamil #tamilart #tamilhistory #sculpture #art #museum #egmoremuseum #chera #chola #pandya #hindu #hinduart #buddhism #buddhistart #jain #jainart #photodump #asian https://www.instagram.com/p/CqPfP6zvHpk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

பிராட்டி/Pirātti Well these past couple weeks have been hectic, so I just wanted to relax and do something simple and not really meaning-heavy. That being said, I didn’t really realise how intricately detailed Chola bronzes were until I did this piece. I also wanted to do kind of a gender-bending by pairing a woman with the Jada Makutam that’s usually only seen on male characters. P.S. Art prints and commissions are available people! Just send me a DM! #leanderscribbles #tamil #tamilartist #tamilart #chola #tamilhistory #southindian #sculpture #art #lineart #commission #tattoodesign #cholabronze #artprint #genderfluid #asian #explore https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp9deikPsDT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

Madurai Meenakshi Temple இல் சாமரைப் பெண்/ Cāmarai Penn (Woman bearing the Cāmarai) This week around I wanted to do something a bit different than what I usually do- so I did a statue study of a statue from Madurai Meenakshi Temple and adapted it to my style. The main reason is the jewellery- to study their design and even potentially incorporate them in future pieces. Did the amount of detail nearly make me have a nervous breakdown? We don’t have to talk about that. Also for those who didn’t know, A Chowry, also known as a Cāmarai and Chamer, is essentially a ceremonial fly whisk that was a status symbol and an Indicator of royalty and divinity. They are commonly represented in Indian art. #leanderscribbles #art #lineart #tamil #madurai #maduraimeenakshiammantemple #statue #sculpture #study #tattoodesign #explore #explorepage #asian #asianart #hinduart #jainart https://www.instagram.com/p/CpZXyqFPQmc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

Kalayarkovil இல் பேரரசன்/Pērarasan (The Emperor) Featuring பெரிய மருது (Marudhu the Elder)- a Tamil King and freedom fighter of icon status, we have arrived at the next card of the Tarot series- The Emperor. The மருது பாண்டியர் (Marudhu Pāndiyar), also known as the Maruthu Brothers, were brother-kings who ruled Sivagangai, specifically Kālaiyār Kōvil. Elder Marudhu along with his younger brother சின்ன மருது (Maruthu the Younger) and Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār (see The Empress card) has been instrumental in the war against the East India Company in Tamil Nadu. Maruthu the Elder was born in 1748 in present-day Virudhunagar's Mukkulam to Mokka Pazhaniyappan Sērvai and Ānanthāyi. He, along with his brother, were promoted to high military rank owing to their military prowess by Mutthu Vadukanāthar- then King of Sivagangai and husband of Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār. After the king's fall at the Kālaiyār Kōvil war, the Maruthu Brothers helped Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār escape to the nearby Viruppātchi forest, and ruled Sivagangai as her proxy. After winning the war against the EIC-Arcot Nawab alliance with the help of Hyder Ali, the Brothers reinstated the Queen on her throne. In 1801, the British waged war on the Brothers for sheltering Ūmaithurai, the younger brother of Kattabomman (see Hanged Man card). Unfortunately, the Brothers were arrested by the EIC and on September 24th of 1801, the Brothers were hung to death by the British in Tirupattur Fort. Along with them, all of their sons, except Thuraicchāmi (son of Maruthu the Younger) were also hung. The Maruthu Brothers join the ranks of the legions of regional heroes who have had their histories and legacies ignored and overlooked at the national level-even regionally at times, as evidenced by the Parade Float debacle on Republic Day last year. Once again, I implore that we learn (without sensationalising) our local histories to have a deeper understanding of our ethnic identities, that we may be stronger in the knowledge of our roots. Image 3: Periya Maruthu statue at Kālaiyār Kōvil. #leanderscribbles #tamil #tamilartist #tamilart #maruthupandiyar #lineart #folkreligion #southindian #asian #tarot #tarotart # divination #occult #spirituality https://www.instagram.com/p/CpHYJedv8Pt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

During late July last year I was approached to have a couple pieces showcased at @theqsaspace’s launch event in the UK, it was obviously a huge deal for me and I was really excited, only disappointed that I wasn’t able to attend it in person. Before I could even share it, my insecurities started creeping in. “Do you really think people care?” “Calm down and take a seat.” “Look at all the other artists and the how amazing they are, nothing of yours can compare.” And thus I let it be. But after I posted it on my story a couple days ago, a friend reached out and asked me to post on my page. After a while I realised that I need to be my biggest cheerleader. The way we are taught to calculate and allocate self worth, to ‘allow’ us to feel good about ourselves, is very problematic and toxic. It’s a long journey but I’m grateful I am now able to be proud of myself for all I have accomplished so far and will continue to accomplish going forward. I want to implore everyone to unconditionally encourage ourselves and pat ourselves on the back. Even if you feel like you’re “not where you’re supposed to/like to be”, I want to say this saying that my Amma quotes often: “அற்பமான ஆரம்பத்தை அசட்டை பண்ணாதே”, meaning “do not despise/dismiss small beginnings”. It’s a lyric inspired by a bible verse (Zechariah 4:10). Here’s to being our own biggest cheerleaders! #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilartist#tamilart#lineart#selfcare#southindian#growth#healing#trauma https://www.instagram.com/p/Co9BDV-PBFU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

பேரரசி/ Pērarasi (The Empress) Featuring the சிவகங்கை சீமாட்டி herself, we have arrived at the next card in the Tarot series- The Empress. வேலு நாச்சியார் (Vēlu Nāchiyār) was the queen of the Sivagangai Seemai, and an extremely popular figure of Tamil culture and history. Born to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunātha Sēthupathy and Queen Muthāthāl of Ramanāthapuram, she was trained in weapons and martial arts. She was also a scholar of many languages including French and Urdu- a skill that helped gain the allyship of Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore who, despite initial reluctance granted her 5000 soldiers, training and weapons. When she was 16, she was married to the king of Sivagangai- Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, and had a daughter, Vellāchi. When her husband was killed in the Kalaiyar Koil War with the EIC in 1790, Vēlu Nāchiyār escaped to Dindigul with her daughter under the protection of the Marudhu Brothers; it was during this time that she was saved by Udaiyāl (refer Temperance Card). After eight years of planning with the help of powerful allies like the Marudhu Brothers, Hyder Ali, and her commander Kuyili's sacrifice- Vēlu Nāchiyār was set to fight the colonisers. The commander of the Udaiyāl regiment Kuyili's suicide attack at a EIC armory changed the course of the war in Vēlu Nāchiyār's favour. Kuyili is the first suicide-bomber in Indian history. After winning the war, she took back her kingdom and ruled it for ten years, later passing it on to her daughter Vellāchi. Vēlu Nāchiyār joins the ranks of Onakke Obbavvā, Rani Chennammā, and many others who have been criminally overlooked in Indian history, their legacy as female warrior-queens ignored. Last year Tamil Nadu's parade float for the Republic day parade was rejected, citing that the figures featured were not "famous", Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār was among them. I understand that India's past is just as complex as its present, which is why I implore that people research and educate themselves on their regional histories, through an objective, non-sensational lens. #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritage#velunachiyar#tarot#asian#divination https://www.instagram.com/p/CojgSaNvZ6r/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

பேரரசி/ Pērarasi (The Empress) Featuring the சிவகங்கை சீமாட்டி herself, we have arrived at the next card in the Tarot series- The Empress. வேலு நாச்சியார் (Vēlu Nāchiyār) was the queen of the Sivagangai Seemai, and an extremely popular figure of Tamil culture and history. Born to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunātha Sēthupathy and Queen Muthāthāl of Ramanāthapuram, she was trained in weapons and martial arts. She was also a scholar of many languages including French and Urdu- a skill that helped gain the allyship of Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore who, despite initial reluctance granted her 5000 soldiers, training and weapons. When she was 16, she was married to the king of Sivagangai- Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, and had a daughter, Vellāchi. When her husband was killed in the Kalaiyar Koil War with the EIC in 1790, Vēlu Nāchiyār escaped to Dindigul with her daughter under the protection of the Marudhu Brothers; it was during this time that she was saved by Udaiyāl (refer Temperance Card). After eight years of planning with the help of powerful allies like the Marudhu Brothers, Hyder Ali, and her commander Kuyili's sacrifice- Vēlu Nāchiyār was set to fight the colonisers. The commander of the Udaiyāl regiment Kuyili's suicide attack at a EIC armory changed the course of the war in Vēlu Nāchiyār's favour. Kuyili is the first suicide-bomber in Indian history. After winning the war, she took back her kingdom and ruled it for ten years, later passing it on to her daughter Vellāchi. Vēlu Nāchiyār joins the ranks of Onakke Obbavvā, Rani Chennammā, and many others who have been criminally overlooked in Indian history, their legacy as female warrior-queens ignored. Last year Tamil Nadu's parade float for the Republic day parade was rejected, citing that the figures featured were not "famous", Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār was among them. I understand that India's past is just as complex as its present, which is why I implore that people research and educate themselves on their regional histories, through an objective, non-sensational lens. #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritage#velunachiyar#india#asian#asianart https://www.instagram.com/p/CojaoK8vsf-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

பேரரசி/ Pērarasi (The Empress) Featuring the சிவகங்கை சீமாட்டி herself, we have arrived at the next card in the Tarot series- The Empress. வேலு நாச்சியார் (Vēlu Nāchiyār) was the queen of the Sivagangai Seemai, and an extremely popular figure of Tamil culture and history. Born to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunātha Sēthupathy and Queen Muthāthāl of Ramanāthapuram, she was trained in weapons and martial arts. She was also a scholar of many languages including French and Urdu- a skill that helped gain the allyship of Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore who, despite initial reluctance granted her 5000 soldiers, training and weapons. When she was 16, she was married to the king of Sivagangai- Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, and had a daughter, Vellāchi. When her husband was killed in the Kalaiyar Koil War with the EIC in 1790, Vēlu Nāchiyār escaped to Dindigul with her daughter under the protection of the Marudhu Brothers; it was during this time that she was saved by Udaiyāl (refer Temperance Card). After eight years of planning with the help of powerful allies like the Marudhu Brothers, Hyder Ali, and her commander Kuyili's sacrifice- Vēlu Nāchiyār was set to fight the colonisers. The commander of the Udaiyāl regiment Kuyili's suicide attack at a EIC armory changed the course of the war in Vēlu Nāchiyār's favour. Kuyili is the first suicide-bomber in Indian history. After winning the war, she took back her kingdom and ruled it for ten years, later passing it on to her daughter Vellāchi. Vēlu Nāchiyār joins the ranks of Onakke Obbavvā, Rani Chennammā, and many others who have been criminally overlooked in Indian history, their legacy as female warrior-queens ignored. Last year Tamil Nadu's parade float for the Republic day parade was rejected, citing that the figures featured were not "famous", Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār was among them. I understand that India's past is just as complex as its present, which is why I implore that people research and educate themselves on their regional histories, through an objective, non-sensational lens. #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritage#velunachiyar#india#asian#asianart https://www.instagram.com/p/CojaRmSPbQi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

நினைவு/Ninaivu (Memory) This piece was commissioned for a client who wanted a custom tattoo design in memory of her late grandmother who passed away a couple years ago. Designed based on her most precious memory with her grandmother, I have also included Hindu religious elements to reflect her deep religious faith and her favourite legend - The Ramayana. Once again, I’m grateful and honoured to have worked and continue to get to work on pieces is such immense personal value. Glad I could be a part of it. Commission are open people, send a DM if you’re interested.✨✨✨ #leanderscribbles#tamil#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tattoodesign#tamilheritage#tamilheritagemonth#eelam#tattoo#india#asia#southeastasia#asianart#memory#hinduart#yoga#spirituality#meditation#hindu#ramayana#memorialtattoo#explore#commission#artcommission#artcommunity https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn_bsb8Pr4-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

"தமிழ்த்தாய்"/"Thamizhthai" (Mother Tamizh) Today in 1950 India became a Republic, and to commemorate, every year a parade takes place in Delhi, which includes a float from each state showcasing their respective cultures. This year however, the state of Tamil Nadu, along with the other South Indian states (except Karnataka) and West Bengal will not be featured as their floats were rejected. The reason TN was given- the freedom fighters displayed (V.O.C., Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, Marudhu Pandiyar and Bharathiyar) were not "well known". The sheer audacity and ignorance of the statement makes me gag. But, let’s not go deeper into that. As a civilisation, Tamizhar go back at least 3,200 years, with our language, one of the oldest spoken in the world, at its centre. Our culture and language now is fairly well preserved, though much has been either lost, appropriated or assimilated. Our passion for Tamizh is something I take intense pride in. Nevertheless, unfair power structures have and still continue to exist. Homophobia, transphobia, sexism and casteism continue to run rampant. For a people who claim to be very accepting and inclusive (which we are), when are we going to show the same love to our own? So what can we do? I don't know. I understand that this isn't a very good time, considering everything that's going on, but the fact still remains- we have a lot of work to do. It's long overdue and we need to start NOW. Proper research to educate ourselves on our own culture and history (both the good AND the bad), about how being Tamizh is an ethnicity beyond religion and that Tamizhar are not inherently "Hindus", is essential. Blind fanaticism, disregard for facts and adamance over folk etymology are a huge disservice. We have a long way to go, but we'll get there. Unlearn, relearn, research, reconnect, and contribute. PS- Those responsible for the genocide of Eela Tamizhar and the oppression of Indian Tamizh fisherfolk at the SL-India border are yet to be held accountable. வாழ்க தமிழ். வளர்க தமிழ். #leanderscribbles#tamil#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritagemonth#eelam#casteism#india#asia#asianart#republicday https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLuIs4BAvE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

Religion (Part 1) Before anything else, let me make it very clear that this is not meant to offend anybody or attack anyone, this is just me narrating my experience with religion; how I see it, and what I've seen, heard and lived through. Even though the name is Religion, this piece is largely addresses the Catholic Church and Christianity as an organized institution ("Christianity" refers to all denominations under Christianity), their past sins and present transgressions. Being raised in the mainstream Christian faith (in a "Ministry"), these two are the only institutions I can really address. This piece is packed with symbolism, with symbols having upto 3 different meanings. It really was a labour of love what can I say😌. The general layout and the composition of the piece is inspired from the Tarot, a divination method which uses cards. I've always been interested in it's art style. This is also the first of many references to pagan faiths, the followers of whom have had, for lack of a better word, a dark history with Christianity and the Church. The woman herself represents Religion. Her image, especially her clothing, the veil and the crown are elements we can find documented to an exhaustive amount in Catholic art, be it the image of Madonna, or female saints like St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The Sun and the Moon, represent nature worship, which are, to my knowledge, important elements in pagan faiths. The staff and orb with the Cross of Lorraine, represent rank in the Catholic hierarchy, hence a Catholic symbol. The fish on the crown are an ancient Christian symbol, a code for underground Christians during persecution. The purpose of juxtaposing these obviously Catholic and Christian symbols (to follow in Part 2) with ones of pagan affiliation is to highlight that no religion/faith is inherently higher in value or morally superior than others; a lesson I had a hard time learning being raised in a community which looked down and took pity on those of other faiths and non-believers. More in Part 2. #sakurapigmamicron #lineart #sketchbook #religion #symbolism #series #fineliner #explore #instagram #tarot #pagan #christian #catholic #draw #faith https://www.instagram.com/p/CNCFg5yhCNj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

This painting would pass the Bechdel Test

Orazio Samacchini (Italian, 1532-1577) The Holy Family, with St Catherine of Alexandria, St Margaret of Antioch and St Francis of Assisi, early 1570s. Art Gallery of South Australia

[leanderkevin]

வையகம்/ Vaiyakam (The World) Taking inspiration from a Tamil ritual for pregnant women, we have arrived at the next Tarot card series installment - The World. The வளைகாப்பு is a ritual that is pretty common among Tamil and Telugu people irrespective of religion. Popularly understood to be a ‘baby shower’, the Vaḷaikāppu is performed during the 5th, 7th, or 9th month of the mother-to-be’s first pregnancy (usually). Traditionally it is performed after the சீமந்தம் (Cīmantam) which is held by the father’s side of the family. After the Cīmantam, the Vaḷaikāppu is performed by the mother’s side of the family, following which she will leave for her parents’ place to prepare for the birth. The highlight of this ritual is its namesake- the father will bless the expectant mother with a mixture of rose water and saffron, smear a paste of sandalwood on her cheeks and hands, and put on bangles on her hands. After the father, family and friends will follow with the same, one after another. Apart from these, customs vary with family, region and religion. It is important to note that the bangles may be made of different materials- neem leaves, gold, and most commonly, glass. The common reason for choosing glass is that since the baby starts hearing sounds by 24 weeks (7 months), the clinking of the glass bangles helps stimulate the fetus’ hearing development. There is also another idea that according to Siddha medicine, the bangles stimulate pressure points in the arms, aiding in the health of the mother and the fetus. Psychologically speaking, the Vaḷaikāppu ceremony is also said to ease the expectant mother’s worries and anxieties regarding the birth. With this piece, I tried to do the original design more justice, hence the Cherubim and the garland. All that said, this piece was a challenge and I'm glad it came out as well as it did. #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilliterature#sangam#tamilartist#tamilart#lineart#strength#folkreligion#southindian#asian#tarot#tarotart#divination#occult#spirituality https://www.instagram.com/p/ClvHpD5hFPE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leanderkevin]

What would India would look like as an OC?

[leanderkevin]

Marvel and Doctor Strange stans where y’all at?

[leanderkevin]

Ok this may sound weird but

Does anyone feel like you're dying? Not dying in a physical sense but like you can feel a part of you, or a previous iteration of your being, is now dead.

I think that death of this kind happens way more often than we think, and it's just that we are not aware of what has just happened, and move on, wondering what this new empty feeling is.

However, if it's a part or version of yourself that you felt very comfortable in, one that you were actually trying to safekeep, even if you knew that it would come to an end, this "death" becomes much more obvious - it hits you like a train.

How do you deal with that? Just...move on? How does that even work?

This might sound childish or immature but there really are some points in your life where you wish life had stopped, or froze, rather.

Life moves incredibly fast, I see my brother who I was fighting with over the TV remote now grown up and worrying over his career (he's still in high school), my black Labrador that I can swear was a puppy just yesterday, can reach up to my shoulders. Growing up is difficult, it's hard.

I suppose that was what I had a problem with. I wanted to stay a child as long as I possibly could. I have almost exclusively heard and seen terrible things about adulting. Yk it's not exactly easy holding out hope for a bright future the adults in your life are so visibly in pain. Not to mention, I have huge plans for my life, ones that would bring about huge changes in my life. I know it will all be worth it, I really do. But I don't know, maybe what I'm scared of is becoming an adult, of growing up.