The concept was to use the long and rich history of animal symbolism, their moral associations for a wide range of creatures, in Indian culture and art to muddy the message of the painting. The grey for the bodies is in an effort to make it banal while the apparent saturation in the range of colours for the heads is because that’s how I read the living… the imperfect state of their masked identities.

Ganesha, whose favour is sought at the outset of any important or difficult challenge; the god of wisdom is placed at the top of the pantheon.

While in the Aitareya Upanishad Saraswati, the goddess of learning takes the form of a red deer called Rohit: A golden deer, plays an important role in the epic Ramayana. The deer is actually a rakshasa called Maricha disguised to lure Sita.

The rabbit’s long-standing reputation for fecundity made it an easy symbol for lust.

As an animal totem crocodiles represent fierce protection. Moreover, these creatures represent an equal balance between earth and water. Their perfect camouflage, the scaly skin encourages us to look but not be seen.