--- title: "The Creation of a Goddess: Bharatanatyam Photo Narrative" description: "Explore 'The Creation of a Goddess,' a conceptual Bharatanatyam photo story. Discover my approach to artistic direction and thematic dance choreography." canonical: https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/the-creation-of-a-goddess-a-photographic-narrative last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # The Creation of a Goddess: A Photographic Narrative Tribe Verified · Conceptual Bharatanatyam storytelling across India. By [Tanya Saxena](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer) · Takes projects across Delhi NCR and pan-India · ₹45K per piece (5-7 mins) (estimate) Part of [Dance Production & Choreography](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/gallery) A conceptual journey exploring the intersection of art, identity, and the divine feminine through movement and photography. ## Photos and videos - ![The final image of the Goddess, with multiple arms representing her 'Shakti' or power. This photo from 'The Creation of a Goddess' is the culmination of the narrative, showing the complete transformation from humble clay to the divine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/13c42c2d-350d-453a-8e4e-8cb7c1867727) - ![The story begins. This image pays tribute to the artisans of Kumartuli, whose hands transform clay into divinity. The project questions at what point humble material becomes a symbol of the divine feminine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/48cc0eb4-303b-4d70-a58d-d8f5cd2f2a6f) - ![The first step: clay on a straw frame. This image represents the initial, raw stage of creation, drawing a parallel to the story of Maa Durga's own creation by the Gods to be a figure of strength.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3b9c93f-f3da-4ac1-9a22-421fdfa5a56b) - ![The second step: smoothing the cracks. The goddess idol is constructed to be smooth and perfect, which led me to question if we allow the same space for human women to have their 'cracks' and imperfections.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e7b2c9aa-cd79-4173-971f-324cb8eac99e) - ![The third step: the 'Sandhi' or transformation. This is when the spirit enters the idol. The photo series explores this moment and the inclusive tradition of using mud from a prostitute's house, representing everywoman.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ee757c6-a1b6-45b0-af8c-454865f3897a) - ![The final touch: painting the eyes. This is a crucial moment in the creation of the idol, where the lifeless figure is given sight and soul. It is the final act before she is revealed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0f598b1e-b85c-4f2c-9392-24b9c922c379) - [Video: A video compilation of the photo story, showing the entire process from clay to goddess. This project was a deep, experimental collaboration with photographer Sanjit Debroy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5df28bde-15e0-4032-a530-2dac209104d6) - ![An image from the first stage of creation, representing the raw, unformed potential of both the clay and the feminine spirit.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1f3ea538-6b7e-4c7c-a2b2-2b4819030fde) - ![Another perspective on the initial clay form, with a single light source suggesting the spark of life and idea.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/23f5f5f0-839a-493d-9004-b995b22cc55b) - ![The artist's hand sculpting the clay, a direct visual metaphor for how identity is shaped by external forces.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1fcbeddd-362a-47e0-a037-3c50d6ab1174) - ![A pose of strength and defiance, even in the early, unrefined stage of creation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89505a70-89ab-4bda-8bf0-94c17232354d) - ![A moment of quiet prayer and introspection, part of the process of invoking the divine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bf425db-543e-4500-adf7-3a3fa1e13e83) - ![Holding the sculptor's tool, this image questions who holds the power in the act of creation and definition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5374627e-23ae-4311-99c3-af2311acbc57) - ![A profile shot showing the application of 'bele maati', the fine clay that gives the idol its smooth finish.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d53992e-9000-4d5d-96ba-092a99e0354b) - ![A moment of divine transformation, as the spirit of the goddess is invoked into the clay form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94dcf4ec-0626-4ab9-887c-a21224aac632) - ![The artist's hand applying makeup, blurring the line between the creator and the creation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61d06115-f92b-47de-8de2-6d80f6b6bc17) - ![A portrait of the idol, partly formed, representing a state of becoming.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dded5c24-dfe9-4f61-a0f9-464c38a8f0f5) - ![A close-up of the 'aharya' or adornment process, a key part of the transformation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e602cc0-3287-455c-8347-33b76822e061) - ![The goddess in her full glory, a symbol of strength and compassion, ready to be worshipped.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71922e32-61c0-47db-b4ea-96a38bbbf09e) ## About The Creation of a Goddess: A Photographic Narrative This visual narrative was born from a deep curiosity about the artisans of Kumartuli, whose hands shape divine idols from common clay. In this project, I worked with photographer Sanjit Debroy to mirror that transformation, questioning how we define the divine and the human. If you are looking for a collaborator who treats every performance or conceptual piece as a serious inquiry into mythology and social history, let us talk. ### The Intersection of Art and Inquiry At the core of my practice is the belief that dance is a medium for academic and philosophical exploration. The *Creation of a Goddess* series began with a simple question: at what point does humble mud become a symbol of divinity? By researching the idol-making process in Kumartuli and referencing texts on the feminine *Shakti*, I aimed to translate these academic inquiries into visual movement. ### Why This Matters This series is not just photography. It is a synthesis of my training in Bharatanatyam and a desire to tell stories that bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary identity. Whether we are discussing a thematic choreography, a site-specific performance, or a multidisciplinary production, I focus on the research, the narrative script, and the visual vocabulary. ### Collaborative Approach My collaborations with musicians, photographers, and theatre directors ensure that the final output is not just a dance piece, but a cohesive artistic statement. I invite you to explore how we can bring your concepts to life, whether for stage performances or unique photo-led narratives. If you have a theme you want to explore through classical dance, I am interested in how we can develop that story together. ## About Tanya Saxena I see dance as a Banyan tree where the past, present, and future connect. I am always sketching out new choreography, questioning myths, or obsessing over the perfect classical track for a production. If you want a partner for a project that asks questions rather than just performing steps, I am here. [See all of Tanya Saxena's services](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer) ## More from Dance Production & Choreography by Tanya Saxena - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/featured) - [Ikshana: Dance for Climate Action](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/ikshana-dance-for-climate-action) - [Pehchaan: Exploring Identity Through Art](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/pehchaan-exploring-identity-through-art) - [Cultural Fusions & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/cultural-fusions-collaborations) - [The Scholarly Dancer: Research in Motion](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/the-scholarly-dancer-research-in-motion) - [Behind the Scenes: The Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/dance-production-choreography/behind-the-scenes-the-creative-process) ## More services by Tanya Saxena - [Bharatanatyam Performances](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/bharatanatyam-performances) - [Classical Dance Education](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/classical-dance-education) ## Similar work from other experts - [The Art of Storytelling: Conceptual and Theatrical Dance Photography](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/modeling/the-art-of-storytelling-conceptual-theatrical) by Shreyasi Gopinath · Modeling · Available for shoots across Delhi NCR and India - [Artistic Dance Collaborations and Conceptual Photoshoots](https://mytribe.in/salonis/live-performances-event-entertainment/artistic-collaborations-photoshoots) by Saloni Saraf · Live Performances & Event Entertainment · Performs across Mumbai, London, India & the UK - [Artistic Portraits and Creative Visuals](https://mytribe.in/flaminarch/movement-wellness-coaching/artistic-portraits-creative-shorts) by Archana Kumar · Movement & Wellness Coaching · Online sessions & at provider's space in Bengaluru - [Conceptual and Devotional Portrait Photography](https://mytribe.in/luminescenceportraits/fashion-commercial-photography/conceptual-devotional-portraits) by Luminescence Portraits · Fashion & Commercial Photography · Shoots across Mumbai and travels pan-India - [Conceptual and Themed Photography Shoots](https://mytribe.in/rainbow_photography_official/fashion-portfolio-photography/conceptual-themed-shoots) by Rainbow Photography by Kiran · Fashion & Portfolio Photography · Shoots in Bengaluru; travels across Karnataka and India - [Featured Portraits and Conceptual Photography](https://mytribe.in/shrivallabh.photography/conceptual-cultural-portraiture/featured) by Shrivallabh · Conceptual & Cultural Portraiture · Shoots in Pune & Mumbai; Travels across India for portrait shoots ## Book To book Tanya Saxena, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I%20saw%20'The%20Creation%20of%20a%20Goddess'%20on%20mytribe%20and%20I'm%20interested%20in%20discussing%20a%20conceptual%20dance%20project.)