Veteran contemporary artist Seema Kohli has made a significant return to Chennai with a major solo exhibition titled 'Where Earth Writes Upon the Sky.' Curated by Shaunak Mahbubani, this expansive showcase is open to the public for the entire month of December at the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi in the city.
An Artistic Universe Inspired by Gibran and Nature
The exhibition draws its poetic title and core inspiration from the writings of Khalil Gibran, specifically his vision of trees as poems written upon the sky. This central metaphor blossoms into a diverse collection that includes paintings, sculptures, video works, performance art, and installations. Through these varied mediums, Kohli delves into profound themes of the sacred feminine, personal and collective memory, and the intricate ecologies that fundamentally shape her artistic practice.
"The curator found that the works are reciprocating with this title," Seema Kohli explained, elaborating on the concept. She describes how "trees become a metaphor of an extension of a writing, of a pen, which are touching the skies and giving access to that space." This idea serves as a gateway to exploring the connection between the terrestrial and the celestial, a recurring motif in her work.
Evolving Imagery Across Mediums and Time
A key aspect highlighted in the Chennai presentation is the fluid movement of Kohli's core imagery across different artistic forms. "For me, the imagery moves from one medium to another, one dimension to another and maintains the same concept… images are living," the artist stated. This dynamic approach allows a singular vision to find multiple expressions, from two-dimensional canvases to immersive three-dimensional spaces.
The exhibition also marks a notable evolution since her previous shows in Chennai. While the foundational philosophy of her work has remained consistent for over 25 years, Kohli notes a clear shift in execution. "My concept hasn't changed over the 25 years, but there is much more detailing and the colours have changed," she observed. This indicates a maturation and refinement of her visual language, offering deeper layers for audiences to discover.
Mapping Inner and Outer Landscapes
At the heart of Seema Kohli's practice is a continuous exploration of the landscape, both internal and external. Her works are described as mapping "the landscape within my body and outside my body." She heavily draws upon nature and the Sanskrit concept of 'prakriti' (primordial matter) to contemplate ideas of continuity, renewal, and deep interiority. This creates a body of work that is both intimately personal and universally resonant, connecting the self to the cosmos.
When asked about what she hopes visitors will take away from the experience, Kohli embraced the subjective power of art. "Each and every person will have a different experience… that is what the beauty of art is," she said. This open-ended invitation allows for individual interpretation and personal connection with the artworks, making each viewer's journey through the exhibition unique.
The exhibition 'Where Earth Writes Upon the Sky' stands as a comprehensive insight into the evolving world of one of India's celebrated artists. It is a must-visit for art enthusiasts in Chennai, offering a month-long opportunity to engage with works that bridge poetry, philosophy, and visual splendour.
