Art Konsult Gallery inaugurated the solo exhibition “Echoes of Her Truth” by contemporary artist Rashmi Khurana on 26th September 2024 at the Living Tradition Centre, Bikaner House. Curated by Rahul Bhattacharya, the exhibition attracted a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, critics, and connoisseurs, all of whom were deeply engaged by Khurana’s evocative exploration of memory, identity, and materiality through abstract paintings and sculptural works.

Curator Rahul Bhattacharya emphasized the exhibition’s significance, stating, “Rashmi’s work presents a vivid dialogue between materiality and narrative, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on the intersections of memory, identity, and the subconscious. Her practice engages with the physicality of the medium in ways that speak to deeper emotional truths, making her art a space for introspection and discovery.”

Khurana’s ability to interweave artistic expression with conceptual depth was evident in her statement about the creative process: “Without the ability to realize an idea or concept, art would not exist. I have always been fascinated by the essential unreality of the real, seeking truth and untruth in life. The layers of shredded, churned paper pulp and paint in my works are like collecting scattered moments and memories from the past that shape and reshape life. Repeated strokes and colors in my paintings become like continuous holy chants, inviting exploration and contemplation on multiple levels, allowing one to experience life as a multi-dimensional being.”

Notable artist Sunil Sethi, present at the event, expressed his admiration for Khurana’s work: “I am a new admirer of her work. As a minimalist myself, I particularly admire her simple paper mache creations. It’s often more challenging to craft simplicity, something the masters here know far better than I do. The colors she chooses reflect not only the vibrancy of her work but also her own lively and colorful personality.”

The exhibition’s opening event laid the groundwork for a transformative experience through Khurana’s four distinct yet interconnected series: Roots, Invocations, Fantasies, and UnSplashes. These works challenge the boundaries between traditional painting and sculpture, utilizing materials like paper mache, acrylics, and gestural abstraction.

The Exhibition

“Echoes of Her Truth” is a profound exploration of identity and memory, seen through the lens of four thematic series. Each series engages with distinct aspects of human experience, exploring the layers of identity, spirituality, and imagination.

– Roots: In this series, Khurana uses earthy tones and paper mache to evoke the sedimentation of memory and cultural inheritance. The works in Roots invite contemplation on how personal and collective histories intertwine to shape individual identity.

– Invocations: The series is marked by ritualistic red hues that summon emotional and spiritual truths. Through layered gestures and textures, Khurana taps into the subconscious, calling forth deeper introspections on identity, faith, and existence.

– Fantasies: Taking a more playful turn, the Fantasies series explores imagination and possibility. Here, Khurana uses fluid, whimsical forms to invite viewers to rethink their relationship with self and society.

– UnSplashes: In her most abstract series, Khurana utilizes spontaneous gestures and brushstrokes to capture fleeting emotions and ephemeral truths. The spontaneity of these works challenges the viewer to embrace the unpredictability of life and art.

The Artist: Rashmi Khurana

Rashmi Khurana is a contemporary artist whose practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of the complex relationship between reality, memory, and materiality. Her use of paper mache and paint is more than a technical choice; it serves as a metaphor for the layering of time, experiences, and emotions. Through repeated gestures, Khurana creates works that invite viewers to contemplate the multiplicity of human experience—where the personal becomes universal, and memories become a shared landscape of introspection. Khurana’s work reflects her belief in the essential unreality of the real, challenging viewers to question the nature of truth, memory, and existence.

The Art Konsult Gallery:

Art Konsult Gallery, based in New Delhi, is a leading contemporary art space committed to fostering innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions. With a focus on both established and emerging artists, the gallery plays a significant role in promoting contemporary art in India.

The exhibition “Echoes of Her Truth” continues at Bikaner House until 1st October 2024 before moving to Hauz Khas Village, where it will be on display from 4th to 14th October 2024.

The opening of Rashmi Khurana’s solo exhibition was a resounding success, with attendees praising both the emotional resonance and technical brilliance of her work.