This digital art gallery has taken art out of the white cube of a gallery and into a home in Kochi

Experience art at LMSA's uniquely intimate home exhibition in Kochi, showcasing four Kerala artists in a cozy setting.

One of the many pluses of the Kochi Muziris Biennale is that it opens new galleries around it and new ways of showcasing art. And At Home with LMSA is one such novel attempt, which takes art outside the conventional white cube space of a gallery which locates art in an isolating, context-less space, and into a home. Neenu Jacob has, literally, thrown open her apartment at Kochu Kadavanthra as an intimate gallery space where she is showing the art works of four Kerala artists. LMSA is a digital art gallery, which works with mid career and emerging artists.  

Neenu Jacob  | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

With the comforting noises of a home becoming a background score of sorts, one takes in the works of Sruthi Sivakumar, Surabhi P, Sabitha Kadannappally, and visual artist Sebin Joseph’s works mounted on the walls, the centre table of the living room and the counter top. As of now LMSA works with nine artists including those whose works are on show.

Neenu intends LMSA as a platform which will not only showcase but also facilitate sale of the works of mid-career and emerging artists from South Asia. It is designed based on how she goes about collecting her art, by learning more about the art and the artist. An MBA, Neenu, a strategy and growth executive, has more than 20 years of experience in consumer internet, media and retail. Though Neenu does not have the conventional background in art, she has developed her eye by constantly attending exhibitions and keeping track of the contemporary art scene. 

Sruthi Sivakumar’s works on display | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Art and everyday life co-exist rather than remain distinct, as Neenu’s curatorial note announces. Neenu and her assistant Niharika Kishore, who helps with the curation, go about their work, ready to help if one wants to know more. There is no rush, because it is in a home where there is the luxury of sitting with the art, it is comfortable. This is LMSA’s first such show, moving on Neenu intends to taking to other cities as well, the first of which will be at her home in Bengaluru followed by other cities. Although a digital gallery, Neenu envisions LMSA has more immersive than a listing gallery. The website offers insights into the artists, their take on their works and process.