Shiva, shakti and feminine power: Artworks that speak volumes

She not just embodies power but is also the source of power for the universe. The female form, revered as 'Durga', contains both 'Shiva' and 'Shakti'. For an artist, there is nothing more challenging than to capture this twin essence in one frame or one canvas. Yet, 19 artists attempt to depict this personification of power through their artworks.

The group art exhibition titled Shakti - Woman of Substance displays the works of these artists; through the medium of paintings, photographs, sculptures and digital art. "I believe that Shiva and Shakti are in every woman. Even Mother Nature is a woman of substance," says Swapna Madhuker, artist and curator of the show.

A Hemi Bawa creation.

The exhibit includes 11 sculptures and 55 paintings and photographs, depicting different forms of a woman. Viewed from the eyes of veteran photographer Hemi Bawa, the power of a woman is visible when she takes on the responsibility of earning for her family. In her photograph showing a vegetable market, the face of the female vegetable seller isn't visible yet her strong persona comes to the fore. "I clicked this image in Goa about a year ago. When I saw the seller, I could connect to the power of a woman who is self-sufficient," says the Padma Shri awardee.

A Madhuker Soma creation.

Organised by Shivi Art Asia, the exhibition will also have sculptures by artist Vivek Kumar and paintings by Ankur Singla. While Kumar is hearing impaired, Singla is mute and both of them express their definition of womanpower quite artistically. Kumar's intricate bronze sculpture 'Inner Strength' depicts the inner feelings of the artist's mind whereas Singla gets influenced by the daily activities to recreate his dreams on canvas. Kumar says, "Art, for me, is a tool to show another side of an image, that holds beauty in ugliness, cries in happiness, hidden sorrows in smile and peace in turmoil."

A Vishnu Priya Soma creation.

What: Shakti- Woman Of Substance
Where: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre
On till: July 19
Timngs: 11 am to 7 pm
Nearest metro station: Jor Bagh on Yellow Line