Seema Kohli - Tree of Life Painting

For Delhi-based Seema Kohli (b. 1960) the Tree of Life is not a decorative cliché but a self-portrait of the universe: roots in the under-world, trunk in the living present, canopy in the celestial future. Appearing across three decades of paintings, embroideries, bronzes and room-sized installations, her Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) fuses Vedic cosmology, Sufi poetry and feminist readings of the Shakti principle into one pulsating organism.

The Tree of Life: A Universal Symbol

The Tree of Life is a timeless archetype, found in cultures across the world from Hindu and Buddhist traditions to Celtic and Judeo-Christian lore. It represents:
•    Connection between heaven, earth, and the underworld.
•    Cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
•    Unity and interdependence of all life forms.
For Kohli, the Tree of Life is more than a symbol; it is a metaphor for the soul’s journey, a celebration of the divine feminine, and a reminder of humanity’s bond with nature.

The Essence of the Tree of Life

In Seema Kohli's interpretation, the Tree of Life symbolizes the union of the earthly and the divine. It represents the cyclical nature of life, encompassing birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. The banyan tree, often referenced in Indian scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, serves as a metaphor for this eternal cycle, with its expansive roots and branches symbolizing the interconnectedness of all beings.

Artistic Expression and Medium

Seema Kohli employs acrylic and ink on canvas, adorned with 24-carat gold and silver leaf, to create her Tree of Life series. The use of gold and silver leaf adds a luminous quality, enhancing the spiritual aura of the works. The intricate compositions often feature female forms, mythological symbols, and elements of nature, reflecting the harmony between the feminine and the cosmic.

Artistic Characteristics

•    Symbolism: The tree symbolizes growth, connection between earth and sky, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
•    Color Palette: Kohl uses bright and contrasting colors that bring the tree to life, creating a sense of movement and energy.
•    Patterns and Details: The painting incorporates detailed patterns reminiscent of Indian folk art, enhancing its cultural resonance.
•    Composition: The central tree dominates the canvas, with its branches and roots extending outward, symbolizing interconnectedness.

Notable Works in the Tree of Life Series

• 2021: A large-scale painting measuring 48 × 72 inches, showcasing a dynamic interplay of forms and textures, symbolizing the genesis of the natural world.
• 2022: A series of works in varying sizes, including 2x3 ft and 12x24 inches, each piece delving deeper into the spiritual and philosophical themes associated with the Tree of Life
• 2023: A monumental 6x6 ft canvas, further expanding the narrative and visual language of the series, inviting viewers into a meditative dialogue with the artwork.

Philosophical Underpinnings

Seema Kohli's Tree of Life painting is not merely a visual representation but a philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence. It prompts reflection on the cyclical patterns of life, the interplay between the material and the spiritual, and the eternal quest for harmony. Through her art, Kohli invites viewers to contemplate their own connections to the universe and the divine.

Global Recognition

Seema Kohli's Tree of Life series has garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Museum of Sacred Art in Belgium and the National Gallery of Modern Art in India. Her works are part of prominent collections worldwide, including the British Museum and the Rubin Museum of Art in the USA.

Conclusion

Seema Kohli’s Tree of Life painting is more than an artwork; it is a visual mantra, a celebration of life’s interconnectedness, and a tribute to the divine feminine. Through her bold colors, sacred symbols, and cosmic imagery, Kohli invites us to see the world not as separate entities but as a single, breathing organism.