Mandala (Sanskrit: मण्डल Maṇḍala, 'circle') is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the Universe.^[1] The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T.^[2][3] Mandalas often exhibit radial balance.^[4]

The term is of Hindu origin. It appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other Indian religions, particularly Buddhism.

In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.

In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe from an enlightened perspective; i.e., that of the principal deity.

Here are several of the Mandalas created by my two Color Fundamentals classes this semester.  This is the final project of the semester which is a culminating effort.  The color schemes are a dual analogous, split compliment (with one dominant primary as mandatory).  These students have spent on average 25 hours - and some approaching 100 hours on these works.  There are many more excellent ones - this is a cross section of some of the top works.

Congratulations to Mae Kikuchi ( top right below) and Taylor Suchy (top left in bottom box of Mandalas) for being selected for the 2013 Academy of Art Spring Show!

Clockwise from top left: Haini Zhi, Mae Kikuchi, Rachel Smith, Med Bullock

Clockwise from top left - Taylor Suchy, Jenny Oh, Daniel Manou, Ellen Wong.