Oil, acrylic, & mixed media on canvas

16″ x 20″

2018

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.

Kunti was the queen of Hastinapur (wife of king Pandu). One day while hunting in the forest, her husband accidently shot and killed a sage & his wife. For this he was cursed to die if he ever were to become intimate with any of his own wives. Immediately after, he renounced his throne and forced Kunti & his 2nd wife (Madri) into exile. 

Afraid of dying childless, Kunti uses a wish to grant herself several sons. However, in a moment of lust with Madri, Pandu forgets his curse and dies. Subsequently, Madri commits suicide and abandons Kunti with all 5 Pandava children. 

Left to a life of solitude in the forest, Kunti raises 5 future kings of India on her own. 

KUNTI represents Earth:

“She is a woman.

A human with a voice that makes the mountains move at her command. 

She is a person with the strength to carry the stars

and when she is doubted by others, 

she laughs and lifts the earth with one hand”

~l.k.s.