Welcome to Seeking Kali. Born of a discussion of myth and archetype, the manifestations of Kali are many. She is mother, she is goddess in all her glory, she devours time as a symbol of dissolution and destruction. Kali destroys ignorance and restores order.
This year the Artist Collective Seeking Kali is sponsoring an artist call for work in all media concerning the myth of MEDUSA.
Kali is both ultimate destroyer and the mother of all things, so I chose to represent these aspects through a literal juxtaposition of her two cosmic roles. As destroyer, she brings death and annihilation, and the skeleton acts as a symbol for this. Her breasts are not emphasized, rather painted over with rib bones to show how she is not maternal in nature, any motherly instinct overpowered with her dark and violent disposition. However the fetus growing inside her shows how, regardless of outward temperament, she is still biologically a mother. The two opposing forces she carries show her to be a figure of time and change, bringing forth life from death, and perpetuating the cycle of the eternal energy of the cosmos. In addition, she is seen as "the essence of her own form". Her form is that of a woman, so by painting her specific characteristics on the body of a woman, it emphasizes her twofold. She is the essence of her own form due to the fact that the canvas on which she is painted already is her basic form, enabling a seamless medium through which she can be revealed. In this way it blends and pushes the boundaries of corporeality by showing how she is tangible in figure while remaining an abstract idea, thus melding the intrinsic meanings of “essence” and “form”, and having her be everything at once. The background is meant to show the chaos of the universe that Kali induces, through a Pollock rendition of a galaxy. The violent paint splatters are meant to portray sheer power and energy. The colour choices of white on black are also meant to combine Kali (black) and Shiva (white), joined in the union of existence, each mingling inextricably with the other.
6 comments:
Marta adds:
"Medium: Body painting & photography
Kali is both ultimate destroyer and the mother of all things, so I chose to represent these aspects through a literal juxtaposition of her two cosmic roles. As destroyer, she brings death and annihilation, and the skeleton acts as a symbol for this. Her breasts are not emphasized, rather painted over with rib bones to show how she is not maternal in nature, any motherly instinct overpowered with her dark and violent disposition. However the fetus growing inside her shows how, regardless of outward temperament, she is still biologically a mother. The two opposing forces she carries show her to be a figure of time and change, bringing forth life from death, and perpetuating the cycle of the eternal energy of the cosmos. In addition, she is seen as "the essence of her own form". Her form is that of a woman, so by painting her specific characteristics on the body of a woman, it emphasizes her twofold. She is the essence of her own form due to the fact that the canvas on which she is painted already is her basic form, enabling a seamless medium through which she can be revealed. In this way it blends and pushes the boundaries of corporeality by showing how she is tangible in figure while remaining an abstract idea, thus melding the intrinsic meanings of “essence” and “form”, and having her be everything at once. The background is meant to show the chaos of the universe that Kali induces, through a Pollock rendition of a galaxy. The violent paint splatters are meant to portray sheer power and energy. The colour choices of white on black are also meant to combine Kali (black) and Shiva (white), joined in the union of existence, each mingling inextricably with the other.
Outstanding and glorious work. I think it is absolutely breathtaking, provocative and energized beyond the cosmos;-))) thank you MARTA!!!!
Inspired and inspiring. This young woman has become Kali. Congratulations on your most excellent work.
Marta's description of her work is well written and very profound. Thank you for sharing that Marta.
An amazing work and really enjoyed having the description - and added plus! Cheers!
The writing and the work are both breath-taking and life-giving.
Thank you.
Abha
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