Thamara Perera

Fear of the Yakshi

"Fear of the Yakshi" is an illustration that addresses the taboo of female sexuality in contemporary South Asian culture with the use of the Yakshi, a divine nature spirit found in ancient South Asian mythology. The Yakshi appears as a voluptuous woman and is considered a sacred and protective symbol because of her sensuality and fertility.

“This illustration is a part of my Thesis series, May the Yakshi Rise Again! that contrasts South Asian women's issues with various feminist aspects of ancient South Asian culture. "Fear of the Yakshi" addresses the fear and taboo of female sexuality with the use of the Yakshi, a divine nature spirit that is auspicious for her sensuality and fertility.”