Durga, 2022

This painting depicts the Hindu goddess, Durga, as she slays the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Rather than describe the painting, I’m going to give a summary of the myth. Mahishasura had received the gift of protection from Brahma and was assured ...

This painting depicts the Hindu goddess, Durga, as she slays the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Rather than describe the painting, I’m going to give a summary of the myth. Mahishasura had received the gift of protection from Brahma and was assured he could not be killed by man nor god. He had conquered the world and was preparing to do battle with the heavens. But then a great mass of blazing energy began to radiate from the gods. It coalesced until the shakti (an energetic entity that is feminine and divine) materialised. She was radiant and strong and riding a lion, she had many hands, each holding weapons bestowed from each of the gods. Durga pierced the demon with a trident, decapitated him, and sent his army packing. With the heavens and the world saved, the goddess promised to help the gods and the earth whenever she was needed.