Expressing emotions through Art.
Yamini Mohan, from the culturally rich town of Kannur by the Arabian Sea in northern Kerala, has created her own way in the art world, emerging from the shadows of her family’s creative history. After receiving her degree in Painting from the College of Fine Arts in Thiruvananthapuram in 2008, she moved to Dubai, relishing the energy of the megacity before returning to her origins in Kerala, where she still lives and works. Yamini’s art is distinguished by a deep interest in charcoal’s dark, aggressive strokes, which she uses to constantly explore, grow and communicate her ideas. Her artistic profession involves three solo shows and numerous participations in national and international group exhibitions, art fairs and camps, including notable events such as the India Art Fair, New Delhi 2023, ‘Extremely South’ curated by Bose Krishnamachari and ‘Lokame Tharavadu’ by the Kochi Biennale Foundation. Yamini’s work ‘Iconography’ received her a special mention at the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy’s State Award in 2007. She was recognised as a Promising Artist by Akaas Visual Arts, Dubai, and included in the ‘Women in Art’ display in Dubai. Her contributions to the art world are often recognised at Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy’s State exhibits and the Cochin Art Fair, cementing her status as an established name in contemporary Indian art.
Yamini's Work
Yamini takes The Independent World's QnA.
Q1. Tell us about your Journey.
I was born into a family of renowned artists in Kannur, a place steeped in the lore and loom industry by the Arabian Sea in North Kerala. Growing up in such a creatively charged environment, it wasn’t long before I began to carve out a distinct artistic identity.
My artistic journey took a transformative turn between 2011 and 2012 when I found myself working in the Forensic Medicine Department at Trivandrum Medical College. Surrounded by the stark realities of life and death—dealing with criminals, witnessing the aftermath of violence and examining human organs as specimens—I was deeply moved by the sheer intensity of human existence. This experience profoundly shaped my artistic vision, prompting me to delve into themes of societal introspection and the pervasive silence in the face of injustice. It led me to a deeper exploration of anatomy and specimen studies, through which I sought to express the depth of human emotion and our continual quest for justice.
Q2. We would love to know a bit about your creative process.
My creative process is very much a spontaneous one. I cherish the freedom of engaging in my art without the constraints of pre-planned compositions. It’s the movement of the body, the animated effects with lines of charcoal and sometimes the smudging with palms and fingers that define the core of my artistic expression. This entire process is akin to action painting and I find immense joy in its execution.
The emotions that surge within me are spontaneously transformed into bold charcoal lines on my canvas. I believe this spontaneity strengthens my work, giving it a vivid and potent expression. Charcoal, as a medium, suits me perfectly; its capacity to convey feelings so intensely matches my need to express in a manner that is both strong and bold.
Moreover, the emotions stirring inside me not only affect my internal state but are also manifested externally through the body. Thus, in my work, the body serves both as subject and object—it is the vessel through which emotions are conveyed and perceived. This duality and the kinetic energy I experience while creating are what I love most about my art-making process. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing but about making something that resonates on a deeper, more visceral level.
Q3. What were people’s initial reactions to your work?
Interestingly, the interpretation of my work often sparked unexpected reactions, with some viewers projecting narratives of sexual frustration onto my pieces. These responses underscored the broader societal challenges in confronting and understanding both physical and mental expressions and behaviours, emphasizing the complexity of human frustration and the role of the artist in reflecting and navigating these themes.
Q4. What message do you want your work to convey?
In my art, I strive to be a conduit for exploring these deep-seated emotions and societal issues, urging viewers to engage more deeply with the underlying human experiences that connect us all. My work transcends personal or isolated expressions of frustration; it’s a broader commentary on the human condition, encapsulating our collective struggles and triumphs. I am continuously evolving, exploring and expressing through the bold, dark strokes that define my work.