Hathyogini-Kali

Gogi Saroj Pal’s paintings abound with female figures, clothed or otherwise, attractive and ugly, hybrid and composite. Hathyogini-Kali challenges male supremacy and creates a universe of women who exercise an authority similar to men. This painting, therefore, is the embodiment of the primeval and powerful female force with the goddess’s red lips, matted, wild black hair, and traditional blue colour defining the Kali Swaroop (avatar). The de-sensualised body of the goddess-mendicant becomes the ultimate vessel of brahma-jnana, supreme knowledge and spiritual attainment.