Dhatura / Datura Artwork

This painting was conceived as a partner to my other painting 'Mandragora'. Dhatura/Datura is a group of poisonous, flowering plants belonging to the nightshade family. They are commonly known as thornapples, devil's trumpets, moonflower, devil's weed, and hell's bells. Such names are warning enough to keep safe distance. The Dhatura flowers bloom at night and are shaped like trumpets, which add to the mystery surrounding them and make them more bewitching. All species of Dhatura are poisonous and potentially lethal, especially their seeds and flowers, which can make us physically ill and cause hallucinations, psychosis, and even death if taken internally. Due to these effects, Dhatura has been often used as poison or as hallucinogen (in measured doses) to induce visions and trance by people throughout history. Dhatura has gained notoriety due to its close association with occult practices and use in witchcraft or sorcery. Dhatura is still used in ritual worship among Hindus as it is a plant closely associated with Shiva. Very fertile grounds for naughty fantasies to grow on! I have always found the concept of fatal attractions very intriguing. The sense of adventure overcoming taboos, the power play, the seduction and the erotic possibilities of a chance encounter evoke the notorious and secretive, many times complicated, homosexual cruising rituals before the arrival of online dating. I have used a male body to project the popular concept of 'Femme Fatale'.

Mixed Media:Ink on Fine Art Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:29 W x 9.5 H x 0.1 D in

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