Shakti

Description:

"Shakti" is a tribute to the divine feminine- the goddess known by many names and forms. In this piece, I've continued my signature use of a warm color palette, layered with deep, dark tones- blacks infused with various hues to bring depth and nuance to the background. Metallic paints accentuate the jewelry she wears, adding a subtle radiance to this sacred figure.
As the vibrant celebrations of Navaratri approach their grand finale, I find myself experiencing the festival in India for the first time in nearly 16 years. Raised as a Hindu ( which i firmly believe is a geographic rather than being boxed up in the category of a religion )I grew up immersed in its rich customs and rituals, and Navaratri was always among the most meaningful. Over time, though, I’ve come to see it not just as a time of devotion, but as a deeper reverence for the divine feminine- Shakti, the primal energy that animates all of existence.
In Hindu philosophy, Shiva embodies pure consciousness- still, eternal, and formless. Shakti is the dynamic force, the creative power that gives movement and life. One is incomplete without the other: without Shakti, Shiva is inert; without Shiva, Shakti lacks direction. This is not about gender- it’s about balance. Energy and awareness. Matter and spirit.
This painting is a deeply personal homage to Shaktu- not only as a cosmic principle but as she lives through the women who have profoundly shaped my life: my late mother, my sister, and my wife. Each has been a source of strength, love, and grounding. Their presence has made me who I am.
"Shakti" is dedicated to them- and to all the women whose energy nurtures, inspires, and completes the world around us. For what is masculinity, or even existence itself, without Shakti?