India, Oct. 19 -- Durga, also known as Devi or Shakti, is more than the symbol you see in pandals. This warrior goddess, atop her vahana or a lion, often carrying weapons, is seen as a manifestation of Mahishasuramardini, slayer of the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura. But there are many identities and emotions that she embodies, making her a complex and enriching version of feminity. It is her many facets that artist Dipto Narayan Chattopdhyay has captured over the years but he discusses four for Vivacity.

Durga 1

Dipto's first Durga created in 2008 is a hybrid study of Mahishasur Mardini. "I created it in mixed media on board (In my technique layer upon layer colour, wastage paper and waste polythene carry bags)," says the art...