Authors: Dr. GS Pandey
Abstract: Piet Mondrian’s evolution from representational landscapes to abstract Neo-Plasticism represents a profound quest for universal harmony, resonating with the Indian aesthetic concept of Shanta Rasa, the emotion of peace and transcendence. This paper examines how Mondrian’s paintings, through their emphasis on equilibrium, intuition, and the dissolution of particular forms, evoke a contemplative state akin to Shanta Rasa. By analysing key works such as ‘The Red Tree’, ‘Evolution’, ‘Composition 10’, ‘Pier and Ocean’, and later grid-based compositions, this study traces Mondrian’s artistic development, influenced by Theosophy and Cubism, toward a universal pictorial language. His use of vertical and horizontal lines, primary colours, and dynamic equilibrium reflects a spiritual aspiration to transcend material reality, aligning with the serene universality of Shanta Rasa. The paper argues that Mondrian’s Neo-Plasticism, by extending pictorial space and engaging viewers through intuitive perception, fosters a meditative experience that mirrors the aesthetic ideals of Indian Rasa theory, offering insights into the cross-cultural potential of abstract art.
