Jerri Allyn

                                


Ardhanarisvara / Chutney
Hinduism: androgenous deity
Christianity: wo man / s he from adam’s rib?




Photomontage, archival digital print on canvas, hand sewn sateen fabric frame, wooden rod;
5.5’L x 3.5’W x .25”D; with rod 6’L;
2023-2024.

Excerpt of ‘Chutney banner portrait.’ Photographer: Felis Stella 

Ideas addressed: scholars from different fields acknowledge creativity sourced and stimulated in sex organs, Kundalini promotes “prana” = life-force energy, androgyny, gender spectrum, body positivity, religious tolerance, being present

BIO as relates to erotic power: Chutney Berry, a former international stripper, has been a Kundalini Yoga instructor for 25 years, raising root chakra energy through breath and movement exercises (originated with Hinduism). They train participants in breathing deeply from the root chakra sex organs up the spine to the crown of the head. These organs open for birth literally creating life, and also stimulate the imagination. Notably, Chutney led clinical trials at UCLA exploring the effects of mediation on memory loss, showcasing the profound impact of yoga on mental well-being. She also specializes in working with those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. (www.chutneyberry.com)

Chutney inspired by deity: Chutney resonates with androgyny, and Hindu beliefs embrace androgyny in the deity Ardhanarisvara. Christianity’s creation story does not mention androgyny; its belief is that women are birthed from Adam’s rib. The ‘Two-in-One Being’ is present in many cultures. As a species, do we need a gender to be sexual or creative? Is androgyny a duality, or balance of energies, or is gender on a spectrum with broader possibilities than the oft constructed binary?

Aligned Organization: Yoga Noho Center, North Hollywood, CA, USA (www.yoganoho.com).