Wellness Deities


Vipoo Srivilasa’s five paintings featured in his exhibition Wellness Deity explore the artist’s personal experience of overcoming some of the negative thoughts that he encountered during Melbourne’s second lockdown.  Vipoo channelled these into positive thoughts for self-improvement seeing him emerge with new skills, having ventured into painting, a new medium that has expanded his artistic practice.

 The paintings are based on the large murals often found in ancient Buddhist temples Thailand, which sometimes depict hell. In these new works, Vipoo centre’s himself as a deity fighting off metaphorical hungry ghosts.

 As Melbourne enters it’s fourth lockdown, these paintings act as a gentle reminder for us all to try to channel our own negative thoughts and feelings and to practice our own mindful ways of focussing on the positive.

 Here are a few Mindfulness activities and exercises that can help to re-center, check in and provide that little bit of self-care we may all be in need of during this lockdown.


Activity 1 - The Body Scan

The Body scan can be a great way to mindfully check in with yourself and how your body is feeling each day, as we re- adjust to our current living and working environments. This can help us slow down and reconnect with our body, it can encourage self-awareness of the sensations we might otherwise ignore and its benefits include decreased muscle tension and noticing any possible pain that we may be tolerating. This activity can go on as long as you would like it to. It can be done as a check in at anytime of day.

  • To begin the body scan find a comfortable place where you will feel and where you won’t be distracted.
  • Find a comfortable position, such as laying on the floor or sitting in a chair. 
  • The breath should be used as a way to establish initial focus, much like some forms of meditation
  • Close your eyes and slowly scan each area of your body, starting from your feet and slowly moving up to your head. Focus on a specific body part at one time and bring your mind and awareness to that part. Take note of any soreness, how your clothes feel on your body, take note of any feelings that may arise.
  • Once the entire body has been given mindful attention, the focus can be brought back to the breath for a few minutes.
  • Your energy should feel calmer and hopefully you feel more connected to your body.

autumn flora sculptures

IMAGE > Vipoo Srivilasa, Hungry Ghost 1, 2021, acrylic on board. 30 x 40cm.


Monet, The Galette

IMAGE > Vipoo Srivilasa, Hungry Ghost 2, 2021, acrylic on board. 30 x 40cm.

Activity 2 - Tai Chi Guided meditation

Tai Chi can help release emotional tensions, increases concentration and awareness and decreases stress, anxiety, it can help improve your overall mood and contribute to more restful sleeps and a calmer mind. You can practice Tai Chi by watching guided Youtube tutorials and get that movement going from the comforts of home.

Or do online classes through the Tai Chi Academy for just $10

taichiacademy.com.au