Krishna is the prince of heaven. In the hindu religious stories, he fell in love with a humble gopi (milk maid) named Radha. In the iconic tradition of Indian art, Krishna is often accompanied by Radha, and typically they are in an embrace.

In this image, the lovers are affectionately entwined, and Krishna has his hand raised, pointing to heaven. Perhaps this is symbolic of his divine origin, and although he is a god, he treats his mortal lover as an equal, a queen of heaven. In ways subtle or not so subtle, this tale both subverts the rigid caste system, and also instructs the devotee that each common person may have a profound communion with the divine.

"Divine Lover" is comprised of layers of vintage papers, oil glazes, gold leaf, and delicate ink drawings, a technique and style inspired by traditional Indian miniatures and the palimpsest of Medieval manuscripts. The cloudy spots and glares are reflections caused by the scan. They do not appear on the actual work.