Kaal Netra | Sacred Matrices: A Solo Exhibition by Seema Kohli at NGMA Bengaluru

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is proud to present Kaal Netra – Sacred Matrices, a landmark solo exhibition by the celebrated contemporary artist Seema Kohli. The show inaugurates on Tuesday, 26th August at 5:00 PM and will bring together art, music, and dialogue in a way that reflects the deep intersections of tradition, philosophy, and modern creative expression.

About the Artist: Seema Kohli

Seema Kohli is widely regarded as one of India’s foremost contemporary artists, known for her ability to interweave mythology, philosophy, and the feminine principle into visually striking narratives. Her works, whether on canvas, paper, or through large-scale installations, carry recurring themes of the sacred feminine, cosmic cycles, and the eternal dance of creation and dissolution.

Over the years, Kohli has created a distinctive style characterized by intricate detailing, vibrant colors, and layered symbolism. Her practice spans across painting, sculpture, prints, installations, and performance art, and she has exhibited both in India and internationally. With Kaal Netra – Sacred Matrices, she continues her exploration into timeless philosophies while addressing contemporary concerns of identity, memory, and spiritual consciousness.

The Exhibition: Kaal Netra – Sacred Matrices

The title Kaal Netra, which may be translated as the “Eye of Time,” evokes the power of vision that transcends linear chronology. Paired with the concept of “Sacred Matrices,” it speaks of the interconnected webs that bind existence — cycles of birth and dissolution, continuity and change, the visible and the invisible.

Through this exhibition, Kohli invites viewers to step into a world where:

• Time is cyclical rather than linear, echoing Indian cosmology and the eternal return.
• The sacred feminine emerges as a guiding force, nurturing yet powerful, fragile yet enduring.
• Myth and memory are layered with modern reflections, encouraging the audience to engage with art as a living dialogue.

Her visual language, with its luminous detailing and spiritual depth, transforms the gallery space into a sanctuary of reflection — a space to pause, engage, and discover connections between the cosmic and the personal.

Inauguration & Special Events

The inauguration on 26th August at 5:00 PM promises to be an immersive cultural evening. The program will feature a recital by Shruthi Veena Vishwanath, whose music resonates with the same philosophical depth and meditative quality that informs Kohli’s art. Following the recital, visitors will be guided through the exhibition by Satyajit Dave and Seema Kohli, offering firsthand insights into the artist’s process, inspirations, and vision.

The event will be graced by eminent dignitaries:

• Chief Guest: Shri Nicholas Gribit, First Secretary, British Deputy High Commission, Bengaluru
• Guest of Honour: Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General, NGMA

Their presence highlights the importance of this exhibition not only as an artistic event but also as a cultural dialogue bridging local and global perspectives.

Why This Exhibition Matters

Kaal Netra – Sacred Matrices is more than an art exhibition — it is a philosophical journey. At its core lies a reflection on how human beings navigate the passage of time, how memory shapes identity, and how art can become a bridge between the finite and the infinite.

The exhibition also underlines the role of NGMA as a space for cultural engagement, where contemporary practices converse with traditional wisdom. Kohli’s work speaks across generations, offering young audiences fresh interpretations of mythology and history, while allowing seasoned viewers to reconnect with the symbolic depth of Indian aesthetics.

In today’s fast-paced world, where the visible often overshadows the unseen, Kohli’s art insists on the importance of slowing down, observing, and recognizing the invisible threads that bind all life. The show is not only visually stunning but also intellectually and spiritually enriching.

Visit the Exhibition

Date: Tuesday, 26th August 2025, 5:00 PM onwards
Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), 49 Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052

The exhibition is open to all art enthusiasts, cultural connoisseurs, and curious minds who wish to engage with the profound intersections of art, philosophy, and the sacred.

Step into Seema Kohli’s world of sacred matrices and timeless visions, and allow yourself to be transformed by the journey.