The Mother of Night

[Exclusive Altar Icon/Print / Originally printed in 2019.]

by Shandi AzK Bouscatier

“When I was born, a name was given to me: Hers — for Shandi is also of the many appellations attributed to the goddess Kali.

I was born into a Métis family with Indian origins, and was initiated to a current of tantrism from south India. The Dark Goddess put her mark on me, and in return, I chose Her. My devotion to Her is beyond form – yet are not ‘forms’ also symbols of devotion? Anthromorphisms, icons, and fetishes. These are games we play trying to apprehend the immeasurable, the unspeakable – a collection of symbols paving the way to the Ultimate, the Void, the Absolute. 

This painting was undertaken during the nine consecutive nights of Navaratri, during which time Shakti is revered in India. Reciting Kali’s Gayatri, I painted. The vision that imposed itself on me is the one I tried to reproduce here. 

With three faces, she roars and neighs. Her mouth, like her yoni, are the orifices of the Void – devourers and creators. Her seven languages are the seven sacred vowels with which creation moves. Her seven breasts are analogous to the seven powers (rays, archons, eons). 

She is the roaring SheKmet, the spectral HeKate, the furious Kali, the fierce Korè, the terrible Medusa. She is war and death – Kerridwen, EreshKigal...

She is the Mother of the Night, the Goddess of all Sorcery, the One who feeds on the Dead, who breaks bones and echoes in the tombs...” —Shandi AzK Bouscatier

13.5” X 20.5” - Printed on exquisite, thick, and highly-textured Hahnemuhle William Turner 310 GSM (cold-pressed 100% cotton) paper-carton.

Limited to 50 hand-numbered copies. Individually glyphed and signed by the artist.