After the philosophy and exercise, the artistic side of yoga
Yoga is such a popular form of exercise in Hong Kong. People swear it cures their ills and makes them more flexible.
But, says 25-year-old Yogananth Andiappan, while people remember that it is a philosophy and a form of exercise, very few appreciate yoga as an art.
'I would like to show people the artistic side of yoga and how it can be a beautiful art in itself,' says the yoga expert, who has been practising the art since he was two. His father, Asana Andiappan, 70, has written 25 books on the subject and his TV programme is broadcast in several countries.
Yogananth has produced a coffee table book showing 400 different poses, some, which he says, have never been photographed before and would interest both yoga practitioners and art lovers.
'The title of the book, Yoga from the Heart, reflects this very essence of the way I learnt and practised yoga, which I would like to share with all fellow yoga students. With more than 20 years of practice, I wanted to share with others certain yoga asanas (postures) which I discovered during my practice and research. Many of these asanas has never been photographed or published before,' he said.
Photos from Yogananth's book are on show at Schoeni Art Gallery today and the book will be available in Hong Kong from next week.
