Seema Kohli laughs and says, “Despite the desire of people landing on the moon, planning to grow plants on it or desire to move there, it does not stop fascinating someone’s imagination.”
We are talking about her Moon series which is currently displayed in NGMA Bengaluru, where Delhi -based artist Kaal – Sacred Matrises: Seema Kohli’s Living Metic Universe is showing her work in a show called Metic Universe. The show with more than 200 pieces made by Seema since 2004 includes all types of media from his multi-disciplinary practice and has been kept together by NGMA Bangalore Deputy Curator, Darshan Kumar UU.
Seema says that her attraction towards the moon began in childhood, which was inspired by her interest in stories and her father’s philosophy. “I am interested in the story, not only a myth or spiritual or religious aspect. Similarly folk tales come into existence – when people make the narratives their story.”
“I believe that mythology is a way of interpretation. We do not have words, so we make other ways of expression that makes it easy for us to understand what is happening around us,” She says, even at a very young age, she was able to express herself through images on paper even at a very young age.
Talking about the Moon series, Seema says that it reflects the growth and declining and 28-day cycle of the moon, and it reminds us of one of their previous tasks. “That piece was an installation. However, when I started working with threads, sequins and other ornaments on the canvas, I wanted to work once again on this concept, because I thought it was calling me.”
Seema Kohli | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
once and Again
“Like the Moon’s growth and decrease, there is a balance that comes through a woman in some form or the other.” The constant remains stable, “she says referring to the recurring topics in her work.
“The idea of ​​the woman, the golden pregnancy, the idea that we are all connected to each other, and that the creation is happening continuously, this is a broader subject. The world must be going crazy, but nature has its own cycle. It returns to you, it comes back to you, bothers you and moves forward.”
We move towards Storm in a Tikup, which is a type of art book, made from carved prints. “I enjoy printmaking because it is a ubiquitous process that my attention attracts only one thing. You work on a plate, treat its acid, see it shaping it and then, do it all again – make another print which is the same, but with another repetition.”
Seema says that she is working on at least one series of prints every year, the practice she started about 12 years ago.
Storm by artist Seema Kohli in a cup of tea. Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
She says, “I always wanted to make an artist book and work with Cutshi, which is one of my favorite media.” She says that as a result of her entry in a fair on artist books, “an Acardian Book, which can not only stand as an art work, but can be kept in someone’s hands and can also be enjoyed as it can be made. Cutting prints are usually framed and planted.
There are some Chinese screens adorned with art on both sides on the performance. Seema says, “All my work is inspired by my influences or things that impressed me during my early years.” She further states that when she was about 12, she was very impressed and her father patiently explained about the Chipko movement.
“Even today, when I look at the trees, the treasure of memories opens magically; I became the embrace of trees as a child and it created a sympathy within me. As an adult, you see how trees are a symbol of nature, there are similarities in scriptures – Bhagavad GitaThe Buddha attained knowledge under the Peepal tree, it is also seen in Sufism and Christianity. In most of my functions, trees have an important role and I am inspired by the idea of ​​trees growing on my own, wild and independently.
The tongue in the cheek
Perhaps the most focus performance in the show is the installation of many-colored tongues.
Artist Seema Kohli from Kaal Eye. Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
“For me, the tongue is the place of taste, it has nothing to do with food only; even when we are listening to good music or enjoying the beauty of a flower, there is still a feeling Rasa In our mouth. The tongue is the most sensitive part of our body without which we cannot fulfill the thoughts about five senses.
The boundary explains in detail, “All types of temptations arise from the tongue. We speak with it, use it to praise or inspire action, it is used to express our imaginations. Every wish is based on the tongue and I have tried to portray it as a symbol of desire with this installation.”
She further states, “As long as there is a desire to live or desire to live, someone will live. There should be something that keeps you excited about life. Ambition is a desire, as if the desire to leave everything. There are many temptations, and will always be there.”
The period eye written by Seema Kohli is currently displayed in the national modern art gallery.
Published – October 08, 2025 06:39 PM IST