The Female Pope: Rakini Devi’s Revolt Against Misogyny

Artist Rakini Devi reimagines faith as feminist revolt. Inspired by the myths of Pope Joan and the goddess Kali, her performance 'The Female Pope' transforms sacred iconography into a visceral protest against global misogyny. In conversation with Dilpreet Kaur Taggar, she reflects on how ritual, dance and visual art converge in her practice, from the temples of Kolkata to the colonial stages of Australia. SBS Spice attended the OzAsia Festival, thanks to the festival organisers.

Rakini Devi joins SBS Spice at the OzAsia Festival in Adelaide to talk about her show, The Female Pope. Listen on your favourite podcast app. Photo by Derek Kreckler.

Particularly Western feminists have loved appropriating Kali, burlesque performers, Halloween, all of that, which drives me to levels of rage. Rather than rant about it, I condense it all into the work, situating Kali in my own experience and the terrain she belongs to.

Rakini Devi on cultural appropriation and artistic protest

SBS Spice is your go-to for South Asian Australian culture, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Catch us on your favourite podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the SBS Audio app.

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