Psycho Phallus, 2009
Cow dung, grass, wood
136 x 72 x 9 inches
A common denominator in Shivans work is its psychological and physiological potency. The larger-than-life, Psycho Phallus is a complex symbolic structure-phallic in form but traditionally constructed by women. Although male he erects a storage structure that would typically be prepared by the female.
Psycho Phallus borrows from the ancient form of Bitora which originates from Northern India. It is used to protect and store dung cakes (kanda), which serve as domestic fuel. A thick protective layer encases the structure and is decorated with intricate sacred Hindu patterning.