Lucknow Hosts ‘Soul of Kashi – A Monochrome’ Photography Exhibition by Patna Artist Shailendra Kumar

Lucknow, February 2026: The prestigious Kokoro Art Gallery opened its doors on Thursday to an evocative solo photography exhibition titled “Soul of Kashi – A Monochrome” by Patna-based photographer Shailendra Kumar. The exhibition brings together art lovers, cultural connoisseurs, and members of the creative community in the Uttar Pradesh capital for a compelling visual journey into the spiritual heart of Varanasi.

दिए गए लिंक पर क्लिक करें और Amazon पर ऑनलाइन करें खरीद

Amazon: दुनिया का सबसे बड़ा ऑनलाइन शॉपिंग प्लेटफॉर्म, जहां आपको बेहतरीन डील्स और विश्वसनीय प्रोडक्ट्स मिलते

The grand inauguration was led by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Subodh Gupta, who formally opened the exhibition with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Praising the photographer’s vision, Gupta described the collection as a “visual meditation” that captures the spiritual resonance and architectural grandeur of Kashi through the disciplined lens of black-and-white photography.

A Monochrome Tribute to the Timeless City of Kashi

Soul of Kashi – A Monochrome is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of black-and-white photographs that delve deep into the spiritual essence, architectural splendor, and cultural vibrancy of Varanasi—revered as Kashi, one of the world’s oldest living cities.

Emerging from Patna and steadily carving a place in India’s national art landscape, Shailendra Kumar presents Kashi not merely as a geographical city but as a continuum of faith, time, and consciousness. His monochrome frames strip away the distraction of color, allowing textures, lines, geometry, and the interplay of light and shadow to take center stage.

The stone steps of the ghats, the first rays of dawn shimmering over the Ganges, temple spires bathed in diffused sunlight, and the labyrinthine alleys steeped in silence—all unfold in a contemplative visual language. These images do not merely depict scenes; they embody stillness, memory, devotion, and the rhythm of passing time.

ALSO READ बिहार में पाठशाला बन गया गौशाला…

Book Launch: ‘Soul of Kashi… A Monochrome’

Alongside the exhibition, the formal launch of Kumar’s photography book “Soul of Kashi… A Monochrome” was also held. The book is published by the reputed publishing house Rupa Publications and extends the exhibition experience into a collectible visual narrative for readers and art collectors alike.

The publication serves as both a documentary archive and an artistic interpretation of Kashi’s layered existence, offering audiences a deeper engagement with the photographer’s vision.

Curatorial Vision by Dr. Vandana Sehgal

The exhibition has been curated by noted art critic and scholar Dr. Vandana Sehgal, who has carefully structured the visual narrative to reflect the philosophical and spiritual continuum of Kashi.

According to Dr. Sehgal, Kashi transcends physical boundaries—it is a symbol of faith, memory, and timeless continuity. By organizing the works into a cohesive visual progression, she highlights the intricate details of the ghats, sacred rituals, temple architecture, and the eternal presence of the Ganga. She emphasizes that monochrome photography invites viewers beyond surface aesthetics into the emotional and existential depth of the city.

The Power of Black-and-White Photography

The defining feature of the exhibition is its strict adherence to monochrome imagery. By eliminating color, the photographs accentuate structure, symmetry, form, and tonal contrast. The absence of color enhances the dramatic interplay of shadow and illumination, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the emotional gravity of each frame.

For Shailendra Kumar, understanding Kashi goes beyond observation. “To understand Kashi is not merely to see it, but to feel it,” he shares. “Every stone, every ghat, every whispered prayer carries an unspoken history. Monochrome helps reveal that depth with greater clarity.”

ALSO READ पटना सिटी के ज्ञानचक में हनुमत प्रतिष्ठात्मक महायज्ञ की हुई शुरुआत,

His photographs move beyond documentation—they become intimate dialogues that invite introspection and spiritual reflection.

A Significant Moment for Bihar’s Art Scene

The exhibition has drawn prominent figures from the art fraternity, senior artists, writers, and members of the gallery team. Visitors were seen spending considerable time contemplating the works and engaging in discussions with the artist. Many described the experience as a rare visual encounter with the soul of Kashi.

Open to the public until March 20, 2026, at Kokoro Art Gallery, Soul of Kashi – A Monochrome stands as an important milestone not only for Shailendra Kumar but also for Bihar’s growing presence in India’s contemporary art and photography landscape.

By presenting India’s spiritual heritage through a refined monochrome aesthetic, the exhibition offers art enthusiasts, photographers, and cultural historians a meaningful opportunity to rediscover Kashi through a timeless and meditative lens.

Author
Recent Posts

patnaites.com

From the Desk at Patnaites.com

Established in 2008, Patnaites.com was founded with a mission to keep Patnaites (the people of Patna) well-informed about the city and globe.

At Patnaites.com, we cater Hyperlocal Coverage to
Global and viral news and views.ensuring that you are up-to-date with everything from sports events to campus activities, stage performances, dance and drama shows, exhibitions, and the rich cultural tapestry that makes Patna unique.

Patnaites.com brings you news from around the globe, including global events, tech developments, lifestyle insights, and entertainment news.