kuan Yin & Yemaná

NOTICE: THIS ILLUSTRATION IS NOT RELIGIOUS OR DOCTRINAL CONTENT.
The artist does not follow any religious line; I simply chose to illustrate two very famous deities. Of course, no one is obligated to believe in anything, and I respect everyone’s choices.
Technique: Digital Painting
Work time: 5 hours and 20 minutes
Year 2024: Illustration from May
Subject: Spirituality, digital illustration

A little about the illustration:
Before starting the illustration, I intended to portray only the image of the Bodhisattva Kuan Yin or Avalokitesvara, who is the goddess of compassion in many Buddhist cultures. Kuan Yin, over time, has had many aspects, even up to 33 different forms. It is said that Kuan Yin did not want to pass into Nirvana because she listened to the pains of the world and decided to stay to help all those who suffer. Learning a bit about this wonderful Bodhisattva, I discovered that in China, in Chinese Buddhism, Kuan Yin is the patroness of the waters, of the sea.

Likewise, the incredible and marvelous Orixá Yemanjá is also the patroness of the waters of the sea here in Brazil and many other places, especially in Afro-descendant religions. Yemanjá, also spelled Iemanjá, Imanjá, or Yemojá, and known by other names, is generally associated with Umbanda or Candomblé, and of course other religions that honor the orixás. Yemanjá is the mother of all orixás and also the patroness of the waters.

So, I decided at the last minute to create an illustration representing both of them together. And of course, I do not believe in the meaningless rivalry between these deities, as each acts in different realms and is ready to help everyone.

I made a simple illustration of Kuan Yin & Yemanjá, as light and calm as possible, aiming to convey a feeling of peace and tranquility. The sea is a little agitated, like our minds often are, but they are ready to soothe us.

And again, if you do not believe in any of what I wrote here, that is completely fine. Peace and Light to all.