Images of the circle and spiral appear in diverse cultures throughout time as symbols of divinity. The art in this exhibition, spanning five continents and four thousand years, was drawn primarily from the Ackland Art Museum's permanent collection.
The first artists were inspired by nature's designs and patterns--the spiraling and circular forms of plants, animals, the sun, and the moon. The circle often refers to the radiant energy of our star which is fundamental to the growth of all living things. It represents the continuity of life and the promise of rebirth. As a symbol of union and totality, the circle refers to the potential for personal balance, wholeness, and fulfillment.
The presence of the circle and spiral as a spiritual force in so many cultures indicate the common bond that links the human species. Understanding the shared meanings conveyed through this form helps point us toward the possibilities of peace within and between people, the essence of divinity.