Artist Yamini Mohan’s works on show in Kochi explores the human condition

Experience Yamini Mohan's captivating sculpture and striking paintings exploring themes of injustice and human rights at Kashi Art Cafe.

In a corner of the gallery space at Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi, facing two paintings, sits a sculpture made of scrap metal, the torso of a man bent forward, as if curling inward. One can feel the weight on him, the burden could be anything — social or political. Bound Within is a captivating work, for the quality of the craftsmanship marked by the surprising fluidity of the metal. The other works on show at artist Yamini Mohan’s solo exhibition, Whispering Souls, are equally striking. This is the only sculpture on show. 

The paintings, executed in acrylic and charcoal on canvas, induce a sense of discomfort. Multiple faces, eyes, layers…the conflict is inescapable. The bold lines of the human forms in charcoal communicate a certain rawness and deeply felt passion. These are not easy works to look at because those peopling it seem to be in a state of constant  inward struggle. Her works boast her command over anatomy, which gives her the eloquence to express inner emotions.  

The starkness of black on white is impactful. For instance the Faculty of Thoughts has several selves or faces inside one. The jumble of thoughts becomes a jumble of images. Meanwhile, walking past What Will They Think feels like several sets of eyes judging you, making you wonder “what are they thinking?” 

Yamini, an alumna of Government Fine Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram, where she completed her bachelor’s and Master’s in Fine Arts, has been part of solo and group shows in India and abroad. Lokame Tharavadu (2021), Extremely South (2022) and India Art Fair (2023) are some of her recent shows. She was also part of a public art project, Keraleeyam (2023); she received a Special Mention from the Kerala Lalithkala Akademi in 2007.  

Yamini writes, in her artist’s statement, of her interest in portrait drawing with charcoal becoming her ‘main way of expressing emotions’. Her experiences at the Forensic Medicine  Department at Trivandrum Medical College, where she spent time as part of her course requirement contributed in shaping her as an artist. She refers to her process as spontaneous and intuitive. Of the themes she explores, she says, “I explore themes like injustice, frustration and human rights. My work invites viewers to reflect on the human experience and the world around them,” she adds.   

Whispering Souls is on at Kashi Art Cafe, Kochi, till June 4.