A fine blend of natural elements, anthropomorphic forms and divine figures, often winged and flying, appear in Seema Kohli’s seminal artworks. There are mermaids and nymphs, women and men, gods and goddesses, birds and animals, trees and flowers, lotus and fish, the sun and the moon, mandala and other metaphors, along with meandering rivers and mighty mountains featured in the celestial revelations exposition. Various hybrid forms, part human part animal, encompassing the origin and proliferation of life add to the enticing appeal of the work. The multihued visuals incorporate swarming canvases, dense drawings, fine etchings, meticulously sculpted forms, enchanting installations, performative photographs and cinematic videos. The diligently drawn celestial embodiments, reveal and conceal as the creatives on display, in diverse mediums delve into the realm of Hiranyagarbha, or golden womb. The ancient notion of universe floating in waters amidst dark empty and non-existence realm, as the ‘golden womb’ – the all-pervasive source of life – is the focus for much of Seema’s artistic practice. A celebration of female form and her energy, is explored and captured in a contemplative mode, as reflected in this fairly comprehensive, vast and varied collection of about two hundred works of art.
Born in 1960, Seema Kohli has created her own niche in the world of contemporary art for over 35 years. Her creative repertoire is eclectic, encompassing a wide range of mediums ranging from painting, murals, experiential installation performances, films to installations, sculptures and each a unique expression of her style. Her work captures in its entirety the perpetual change, order, strength and fragility, colors and rhythm, melody and exuberance of the elemental world. It talks about the creation, the cosmic journey, of the oneness of being and the final liberation in relation to the golden womb or hiranyagarbha.
Seema has had over 30 solo show in Venice, Brussels, Melbourne, London, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and many more. She has participated at the International Biennale in Venice, Shanghai and India, as well as Art fairs in Hong Kong, Basel, Beijing, Madrid, India. Her work can be seen as public art as murals in a number of cities. Besides winning several international awards, her works are a part of various private and public collections like Melinda Bill Gates Foundation, Museums including Rubin’s Museum and MOSA-Brussels, Kochi Museum of Arts and many more
