ART
Goddesses are what Jayasri Burman believes women are. Shakti, Nandini, Jahnavi…the manifestations of a primordial cosmic energy that resides within each of us. And in the canvases they inhabit, in watercolour, pen, ink, acrylic, charcoal, and oil paint, Jayasri fashions them as being completely aware and in control of their power. In an exclusive with Bazaar India, the Delhi-based artist speaks about her protagonists, Indian mythology as inspiration, and the ultimate message of her works…of positivity and hope.
Harper’s Bazaar: What is the inspiration behind the strong, fantastical women in your artworks?
Jayasri Burman: “Every goddess I portray—Shailaputri, Bhramacharini, Chandraghanta, Pushmanda, Skandamata, Katyani, or Shiddhidatri—is a rupa or manifestation of the universe. These forms have been worshipped since ancient times, and resemble the power of women: the feminine force…