The Hindu deity Kali
Artist
Baua Devi
(Indian, b. 1944)
Place of Origin
- India
Date1988
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsH. 30 in x W. 22 1/2 in, H. 76.20 cm x W. 57.15 cm
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1999.39.20
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewDepictions of Kali, the fierce mother goddess, are common in Mithila painting. For her devotees, Kali (the Timeless One or the Black One) represents the force that controls time and also the divine wisdom that ends all illusion. She is seen as the personification of both the creative and destructive powers of time: everything comes from her and she devours everything.
Baua Devi captures the power of Kali through her compositional and color palette choices. The goddess’s face is the focus of this painting. Kali’s large eyes grip the viewers’ gaze, and her prominent tongue suggests the goddess’s potential for destruction. Kali’s suprahuman abilities are expressed here through a four-armed form, and her beauty is suggested by elegant clothing and jewelry. This image could possibly be read as a representation of women’s assertiveness and power.
Baua Devi captures the power of Kali through her compositional and color palette choices. The goddess’s face is the focus of this painting. Kali’s large eyes grip the viewers’ gaze, and her prominent tongue suggests the goddess’s potential for destruction. Kali’s suprahuman abilities are expressed here through a four-armed form, and her beauty is suggested by elegant clothing and jewelry. This image could possibly be read as a representation of women’s assertiveness and power.
