Durga, Where Are You?

Kate V M Sylvester

By Dr. Priya Srinivasan

I was in my class dancing to the song Simhasanasthithe about the Goddess Durga, who rode a lion into battle I felt powerful taking on her 8 armed body and using weapons to destroy demons.

I was walking in the dark alleyway in Richmond. My parents said be careful. Don’t walk alone. We moved here so you could get a good education and a good life.

I was waiting, eating, sleeping, ironing, walking driving, showering, running, cooking, chopping, watering, sitting, cleaning, commuting when it happened to me

Shops, bathroom, car, office, kitchen, station, train, home, bedroom, city, tram, toilet, alleyway, village, bus where it happened to me

Something was wrong Durga Where are you?

Yaa saa shumbha nishumbha daithya samani

I killed the asura Nishumbha, by my sword. His brother Shumbha came crying to me, saying he could not fight so many of me.

I laughed. I withdrew my many selves from battle back into my body,

I became one and battled him. I pierced the trident into the heart of Shumbha. I killed him.

Excerpt performed during SHE of Mind and Body opening and International Women’s Day Event, Wednesday 8 March 2023

Programming

SHE Creative Writing

Sista Baskets

Meet celebrated children’s author and architect Bic Walker for a creative writing workshop, where you will learn techniques to improve your writing.

Walker escaped war torn Vietnam at the age of four and her experience as a refugee was the catalyst for her first book A Safe Place to Live.

Springvale Library

25 January 6.30pm-7.30pm

Dandenong Library

7 February 6.30pm-7.30pm

Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre 17 February 10am-12pm

Join Aunty Bronwyn, proud Gunditjmara woman of the Kirrae Whurrong clan. In this workshop, you will learn traditional weaving techniques passed down to her from her grandmother Georgina and mother Zelda Couzens. Sista baskets celebrates the coming together of two parties.

Embroider Your Story

28 February, 7pm-8.30pm Online

Join us for this workshop and create a piece of embroidered artwork with your own story.

Artist Ema Shin will teach you how to collage appliqué and stitch using preloved or your favourite fabric to make unique artwork.

Programming

March Art Series: FANTASANIMAL

Join acclaimed and respected artist Nusra Latif Qureshi for an enchanting workshop. Nusra references exquisite details from 17th Century Mughal painting, while interjecting contemporary images. Her art is collected around the world. In this workshop, explore the technique of tracing on paper and enhance fine motor skills. These tracings of animals, birds and insects will be developed into strange fantasy creatures. You will be using watercolours to finish these highly detailed images.

Dandenong Library

14 March 6.30pm-8.30pm

Springvale Library

21 March 6.30pm-8.30pm

SHE Reads

SHE reads is a free session for young art fans and families. Join artist and writer Tai Snaith for a story-time session that highlights female stories of empowerment. Not to mention the fun activities at the gallery.

Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre

12 March 10am

Thoughts on Women in the Art Game

Join Dr Rebecca Coates, an accomplished museum director, curator, public speaker, writer and lecturer, as she shares her thoughts on Women in the Art Game. Rebecca has directed the development and opening of SAM (Shepparton Art Museum): an iconic regional precinct and building, reinvigorating its artistic program and collection strategy, while taking its fundraising to unprecedented levels. Rebecca has worked extensively in Australia and overseas. She is a leading advocate for arts and culture, Indigenous engagement and diversity and inclusion.