Tea tales!

The Delhi based artiste Seema Kohli stands poised to gave back to the city, that has given her so much, in her innovative Cutting Chai installation at The NDMC Palate Mini from March 13 -15 at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, Delhi’s plush park spread over 80 acres boasting of a dazzling collection of blossoming flowers.

The Cutting Chai installation is made of metal servers traditionally called ‘Cheekka’ used to serve tea in rural areas. Chai being the common accomplice to any conversation in all strata holds a very recognisable space.

Says Seema Kohli, “While painting I can hold my conversation intact with my canvas and me. I have used teacups and the idea of tea as a means of introspection, leading to final liberation. It holds an important dialogue between me and my inner, my outer, my social and my spiritual world. Hence the need for this installation.”

The Cheekka holds cutting tea glasses with tea lights in it. The size of the installation can be increased or decreased according to the space allotted. The materials used include metal wire, glass, acrylic colour and tea.

Seema Kohli’s art practice involves various disciplines from drawing, painting, sculptures, installations and performance. The most significant one to emerge is ‘Performance Art’. Decay, hybridisation and transformation: Creating new identity; reshaping belongings; intimacy; a dialogue of matter and memory, all these constitute the language of her work.

‘Time’ as a factor, is central to her practice, whether it’s a wrapped object or a performance. She uses time as medium, which is extended, assembled and captured. 

The aspects of continuity, repetition, vulnerability, duration, temporality, awareness, situation and public involvement are also inherent qualities that inform her art practice. The process before and after the performance is equally important and challenging.