Lucknow – The city of Nawabs has welcomed its first modern art gallery, ‘Kokoro,’ which aims to provide a free creative space for young and innovative artists. The grand inauguration of the gallery took place at 13B, Madan Mohan Malviya Marg, Jopling Road, with renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali and Sufi Kathak thespian Manjari Chaturvedi gracing the event as chief guests. The event saw the presence of gallery founder and curator Vandana Sehgal, along with numerous esteemed artists and art enthusiasts from the city.
Kokoro Art Gallery is set to serve as a prominent platform for contemporary and traditional artists, providing them an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent. It is a step towards fostering India’s rich cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions, ranging from traditional painting styles to experimental installations and multimedia art.
The gallery’s launch was marked by an exhibition titled “Myth… The Palimpsest of Lines” by contemporary artist Dheeraj Yadav. Originally from Prayagraj, Yadav completed his post-graduation in fine arts from Allahabad University in 2014. His diverse artistic approach spans across various mediums, including acrylic wash techniques, bold color experiments, mixed media, and installations involving metal, wood, and scrap materials.
A Haven for Budding Artists Kokoro Art Gallery, envisioned by Vandana Sehgal, is dedicated to nurturing new talent by offering free exhibition space to emerging artists. Sehgal, an architect and an art connoisseur, has previously organized numerous art exhibitions and camps, featuring both veteran and young artists at Lucknow’s Lebua Hotel (now Saraca Estate) since 2019. With this initiative, Kokoro aims to establish itself not only in Uttar Pradesh but also on a national and international level as a key player in the contemporary art scene.
Exploring the Depth of Lines and Forms Dheeraj Yadav’s artwork primarily revolves around intricate line work, exploring depth, dimension, and movement. His creative process involves an instinctive flow of lines, often inspired by feminine forms and maternal imagery. The recurring motif of a fish in his work symbolizes nurturing and fluidity, while tribal-inspired animal and bird figures encapsulate a raw, organic essence. His compositions often guide the viewer’s eye through conscious directional elements, such as arrows, imparting a sense of movement and exploration.
Yadav’s approach to background and foreground interplay is evident in his use of various paper types, including rice paper, newspapers, and even repurposed book pages. His technique, deeply rooted in the Lucknow School of Art’s traditional wash technique, involves multiple layers of organic hues derived from coffee, turmeric, and alta (red dye). Gold acrylic highlights add a mystical touch to his canvases, further enhancing their layered depth.
Abstract Expressionism with a Personal Touch Among Yadav’s notable series is a collection of artworks inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, where past, present, and future coexist on a single canvas. The pieces feature monolithic backgrounds drenched in organic pigments, creating a surreal yet cohesive aesthetic. His mastery in abstract expressionism is reflected in his dynamic use of colors, forms, and lines, resulting in compositions that appear both spontaneous and meticulously balanced.
Uday Jain, Director of Delhi-based Dhoomimal Art Gallery, lauded Yadav’s work, emphasizing his potential as one of India’s emerging abstract artists. Jain noted that Yadav’s ability to blend modern hues with traditional techniques showcases a unique artistic identity that is both fluid and structured.
With Kokoro Art Gallery now open, Lucknow’s art landscape takes a significant leap forward, offering a nurturing space for artists to experiment, evolve, and engage with a larger audience. The gallery promises to be a hub for creative dialogue and artistic exploration, making it a landmark addition to the city’s cultural fabric.
Event Details:
Exhibition: “Myth… The Palimpsest of Lines” by Dheeraj Yadav
Location: Kokoro Art Gallery, 13B, Madan Mohan Malviya Marg, Jopling Road, Lucknow
Curator: Vandana Sehgal
Chief Guests: Muzaffar Ali, Manjari Chaturvedi
Gallery Vision: Promoting contemporary and traditional artists, providing free exhibition space for young talents
Upcoming Events: Regular exhibitions, art workshops, and creative meetups
