Oil, acrylic, & mixed media on canvas

16″ x 20″

2019

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.

DRAUPADI represents fire: 

“Before she became fire, she was water. 

Quenching the thirst of every dying creature. 

She gave and she gave until she turned from sea to desert. 

But instead of dying of the heat, the sadness, the heartache,

She took all of her pain

And from her own ashes became fire.” 

~Nikita Gill