The Blasphemous Art Project

Yawa, also known by her full title "Nagmalitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata," is a Filipino goddess of seduction and lust. According to some legends, she was birthed from a night flower as a fully grown woman. Her parents guarded her to the extent that sunlight never touched her skin, making her exceptionally pale. While she was under guardianship, she was taught weaponry skills and sorcery, and some worshippers even regarded her as a physical embodiment of a weapon. Her name translates roughly to "beguiling demoness, bedazzling goddess" and thus reveals how a shadow side accompanies her beauty. Due to Spanish colonialism, she became demonized, and for many, the word "Yawa" is synonymous with "Demon." She was originally married to Saragnayan, the Lord of Darkness, and they ruled over night creatures in Galdun, a realm where the sun never shines.

In the heart of bustling Edinburgh, amidst ancient stone edifices and the aromatic lure of coffee houses, the lives of Emily and Sarah, two young Muslim women, gently intersected. Each an artist in her own right, they found common ground in the delicate calligraphy of the Qur'an, their hands often meeting over shared parchment, as their hearts twined beneath the ever-changing Scottish sky. It was on a spiritual retreat to the tranquil Isle of Skye, under a canopy of twinkling constellations that they exchanged a knowing look - an unspoken love blossoming within them, mirroring the stark beauty of the landscape. With the quiet rustle of their hijabs in the cool sea breeze, they acknowledged a connection that ran deeper than their shared faith, a testament to the universality of affection. Their story, a tender testament of love, weaving its way through the everyday humdrum, was a reminder that love does not shout, it simply pervades, threading its way into the tapestry of life, resonating with a quiet, but persistent hum.

In the hushed whispers of the convent, nestled between the emerald hills of rural Ireland, Sister Margret and Sister Bernadette discovered a love as profound and complex as the intricate stained glass windows adorning their chapel. It began in silent companionship during daily prayers and bloomed in quiet glances shared amidst discussions of theology, their hearts echoing the symphony of emotion that played in the hallowed silence. Their love, a divine spark, ignited the core of their souls, yet found its expression in acts of kindness and tender smiles, each one a silent vow to the other. They became their own parable, a testament to a love that transcended earthly norms, defying convention but forever faithful to the adoration and compassion at the heart of their faith.

In the heart of the 7th-century Arabian Desert, a humble shepherd, destined to become the Prophet Muhammad, found his existence forever changed when a radiant comet streaked across the night sky, and from it descended the Hindu goddess, Mohini, an embodiment of enchantment and love. Mesmerizing in her celestial grace and wisdom, Mohini captivated Muhammad, sparking an unlikely love that bridged the chasm between divinity and humanity.

Despite their profound bond, the distinction between mortal and divine held its ground. Mohini offered Muhammad immortality, a chance to ascend with her, but the shepherd, bound to his earthly ties, declined. Before parting, however, Mohini bestowed upon him the ability to see the interconnectedness of life, intertwining his essence with hers despite the realms between them. Henceforth every comet and starry night reminded him of the eternal bond he shared with Mohini.

In the realms of time immemorial, there lived a mighty king, Ravana, a legendary figure from the epic Hindu Ramayana, often depicted as a powerful demon king. His rule was often marked by his ruthless ambition and tyranny. Across the ocean, lived the divine princess Sita, wife of the revered Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Sita, despite her husband's volatile temperament and harsh behavior, continued to uphold her commitment to him.

One day, through his mystical powers, Ravana saw a disturbing vision. He saw Sita weeping silently after a tongue-lashing from her husband, and it stirred something within him. A strange emotion gripped him—love—for Princess Sita. He felt an overwhelming urge to save her, but his notorious reputation stood as a towering obstacle. With newfound resolve, he decided to face his tumultuous past and save Sita, not as the demon king Ravana but as the repentant Ravana. He was determined to shed his image of the ruthless king.

Under the pretext of a peace treaty, he tempted Lord Rama away from his kingdom. While he was away, he went to speak to Sita about the opportunity for her to escape. Sita hesitated but agreed when she saw repentance in Ravana's eyes. Ravana whisked Sita away just before Rama returned. In his kingdom, Ravana treated Sita with respect and kindness, the likes of which she had not experienced for a long time.

In the realm of divine, where time stood still, there existed two powerful entities, Kali, the fearsome goddess of time and change, and Chandrani, the female aspect of the moon god, a deity of serenity, calmness, and beauty. One day, as Kali was dancing her ferocious dance of destruction, her eyes met Chandrani's. In the midst of chaos, Kali saw a beacon of serenity, a soothing presence that seemed to calm her raging spirit. Intrigued, Kali paused her dance and approached Chandrani. They found balance in each other; Kali's fiery spirit tempered by Chandrani's tranquility, and Chandrani's calmness invigorated by Kali's powerful energy.