Mixed Media Painting

This artwork explores the quieter side of time through the extraordinary life of the cicada. At its centre, the cicada holds a clock, symbolising years of waiting, growth and transformation that often pass unnoticed. Some periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground before emerging into their brief adult lives, making their existence a remarkable testament to patience and perseverance. Beneath the cicada, intricate roots connect its journey to the tree, nature’s silent keeper of time.

During its underground years, the cicada nymph feeds on xylem sap drawn from the tree’s roots. This slow, invisible flow becomes a metaphor for the unseen energy that sustains growth and nurtures transformation. The contrast between flowing sap and the ticking clock reflects our different experiences of time. While life may appear still, change is constantly unfolding beneath the surface. The cicada reminds us that waiting is never wasted. Like sap nourishing roots, personal growth often happens quietly, preparing us for the moment we finally emerge, transform and live fully.

Meenal Nath is a contemporary Tanjore artist who transitioned from a successful corporate career to pursue her lifelong passion for fine arts. Her mission is to take this timeless Indian art form beyond its traditional boundaries by blending classical techniques with modern aesthetics, textures, and experimental concepts. Her innovative pieces reimagine heritage, creating a bridge between cultural tradition and the contemporary world.

NOTE: The image shown is a close up image of the Painting. The 2nd image shows the full painting, with the following images showcasing closeups of the artwork, detailing the work done by the artist.

Painting is signed by the artist

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The Long Wait