From a broad perspective, this painting is a metaphor for the power embodied in creative energy. It was the first major painting I created at the beginning of my journey into the world of art making. ANI, the goddess of providence, is taken from African mythology. In this piece she is situated in a carnivalesque atmosphere to convey the dynamism of the creative process in one instance, and as a reference to the complexity of womanhood. Multiple readings can be found in unraveling the mysteries of this powerful personnage. An alternate perspective is to consider 'ANI' as a metaphor for the 'divinity' present in all women. In this view, 'ANI' could be understood as the every day woman with all the joys, disappointments, challenges that make up the human experience. The mesmerizing spectacle represented by the funfair appendages call attention to the myriad of ways culture defines women's roles, intellect, emotional life, utility etc. This 'ANI' presents the full gamut of female archetypes from - 'feature attraction' to the embodiment of the maternal. 'ANI' pivots when one considers what her own thoughts are on the same subjects. Self-assured, self-actualized and vivacious 'ANI' has nothing to hide and everything to give; albeit on her own terms. She is not a silent and retiring subject, but instead towers triumphant, and fully immersed in self-love. Oil paint and acrylic on canvas Signed: on the front Varnished: Satin Offer: stretching the painting on request