Oil, acrylic, & mixed media on canvas

16″ x 20″

2020

The “Panchakanya” are a group of iconic Hindu heroines. When their names are chanted it is believed to dispel all sins. Between each Panchakanya there are several common themes, the most important being loss. Each of them suffered a tragedy at the hands of the men in their lives, but despite being used they continued to battle life and society.

Each “kanya” is a victim of patriarchy, but in their loss lies strength.

In this series, each “kanya” is depicted in relation to the elements: water, fire, earth, and space.

Tara was the queen of Kishkindha and wife of King Vali. Wise and righteous, she advocated for peace and advised her husband against conflict. However, despite her warnings, she becomes caught in the middle of a feud between her husband and his brother, and as a result is left widowed. She mourned his death in a passionate speech and became consumed with grief. 

 

TARA represents space:

MERCURY.

your surface is rough around the edges

but you’re soft to your core.

VENUS.

who knew love and beauty could also be so carnivorous?

you embody the two so well.

EARTH.

to me, you are home

but why do I still feel so homesick?

MARS.

everything is red;

her nails, her lips, her screams

and now she’s drowning in the colors; 

can’t wake up from this dream

JUPITER.

I see you

in the darkest of times

i see you 

SATURN.

always remember, darling–

there isn’t a ring big enough

that could entitle anyone to thinking they own you.

URANUS. 

cold is all you’ve known

but cold is not how they know you.

NEPTUNE.

as storms whirl through

(and they will)

don’t forget what it was like to feel peace.

PLUTO.

I know you are small but that doesn’t mean you don’t matter.

 

~cc (@drunk.on.writing)