Mahakali

There are many layers of meaning to this pen & ink drawing. At the outset, it is meant to depict powerful, unbounded yet calm feminine energy in the form of the Hindu goddess Kali, who wears a garland of heads from demons she has slain as a protector of the innocent. It is also meant to be a celebration of Indian hair; the hair of Brown and Black people around the world has often been politicized and othered in comparison to Eurocentric ideals. This drawing embraces the natural texture and beauty of this hair, which is very similar to my own. On a technical level, the movement of drawing the intricate strands of hair is a very soothing process for me and has become an almost subconscious movement. I find myself being able to pay closer attention to auditory stimuli around me - like a podcast or a lecture - when I move my hand in this way to draw.