Original Painting

Hole in the Roof

A moment of transcendent beauty within the ancient Temples of Angkor is the subject of this work. It focuses on the sacred connection between the heavens and earth, as rainwater, once blocked by mathematically precise roofs, now showers the Buddha statues below. This dramatic scene is a powerful metaphor for a bond that, though seemingly broken, is now more visible and prominent than ever.
This painting captures a moment of transcendent beauty within the ancient Temples of Angkor. It focuses on the sacred connection between the heavens and earth, as rainwater, once blocked by mathematically precise roofs, now showers the Buddha statues below. This dramatic scene is a powerful metaphor for a bond that, though seemingly broken, is now more visible and prominent than ever. The artwork highlights how the transition of water from sky to statue is not a simple fall but a spectacular, spiritual journey.
The perspective from below transforms the hole in the roof into a deep, dark well of water. The viewer is invited to wonder which way is up—are the drops falling to the Buddha or climbing up from the depths to reach him? This play on perception symbolizes the constant cycle of spiritual renewal and the powerful presence of the divine within a world that may appear fractured.

Dimension

12"(W) x 18.4"(H)

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Year Created

August 2019

Framing

Ready to Hang

Cultural Details

The Temples of Angkor were built with an extraordinary level of architectural and spiritual precision. Their roofs were designed to be both a physical and symbolic link to the heavens, guiding the spiritual energy of the universe downward. The breakdown of this perfect structure over centuries may seem like a flaw, yet it has created a new form of sacred geometry.
The act of the sky showering the Buddha statues is a powerful testament to the enduring presence of Buddhist spirituality. It symbolizes the eternal dhamma (cosmic law and order) and the constant flow of blessings from the universe, regardless of the physical state of the temples. The perspective shift—making the water appear to climb upward—evokes the Buddhist concept of samsara (the cycle of death and rebirth) and the ultimate goal of enlightenment, where one transcends earthly perceptions. It underscores the belief that the path to spiritual awakening can be found even in the most unexpected and broken places.

Artist's Personal Note

“I stood in a temple on a rainy day, watching the water drip from a broken roof onto the serene Buddha statue below. It felt less like a collapse and more like an intentional act of nature. The water wasn’t a problem; it was a blessing. I was mesmerized by the way the drops, a direct line from the heavens, were an unbroken connection to the spiritual realm.
This painting is my attempt to capture that profound experience. I wanted to show how something broken can become a conduit for grace. The hole in the roof isn’t a flaw—it’s a path. And the drops, once they leave the sky, seem to defy gravity, a silent reminder that our spiritual journey often challenges our perception of what is up and what is down. I hope this piece inspires you to see the blessings in life’s broken places.”