RITUAL AND REALITY: THE DEITY AND THE CONTEMPORARY WOMAN
This theme derives its impetus from a particular Indian cultural rite: the immersion of a deity (Hindu Goddess) in water; soon after the worship ceremony. These paintings convey my emotional responses as a contemporary woman to this ancient ritual. The theme reflects upon the disparity between the deity as an empowered goddess in ancient Hindu mythology, as opposed to the image of a subjugated contemporary woman, who is believed to be part of the divine power.The image of the earthen vessel is symbolic of the goddess from the Hindu scriptures, at the same time representing the contemporary woman.The straw figures also represent the goddess/woman.The water as fierce, engulfing, suppressive, and turbulent, is the metaphor for our oppressive patriarchal society where many women are forced to live.
