Monochrome Magic Unveiled: Shailendra Kumar’s Soul of Kashi Exhibition Opens at Kokoro Art Gallery In Lucknow

Lucknow, February 19 (TNA) A major solo photography exhibition titled Soul of Kashi – A Monochrome opened on Thursday at the Kokoro Art Gallery in Lucknow, drawing art enthusiasts, cultural figures and members of the city’s creative community.

The exhibition showcases the compelling monochrome works of photographer Shailendra Kumar and was inaugurated by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Subodh Gupta, who attended as Chief Guest and ceremonially lit the lamp to mark the opening.

The evening also witnessed the formal release of Kumar’s photography book, Soul of Kashi… a Monochrome, published by Rupa Publications. The book complements the exhibition and presents an extended visual journey through the spiritual and architectural landscape of Kashi.

Curated by Dr Vandana Sehgal, the exhibition offers a refined exploration of Kashi’s ghats, the sacred Ganga, timeless rituals, skyline and layered architectural heritage. Through a disciplined interplay of light and shadow, the photographs transform the ancient city into a contemplative visual narrative where faith, memory and time intersect.

Freed from the distraction of colour, the monochrome frames intensify texture, geometry and silence. Each image captures not only the physical presence of the city but also its intangible spiritual resonance - the rhythm of rituals, the stillness of stone and the play of light across centuries-old surfaces. Rather than merely documenting spaces, the works invite viewers into a deeper, introspective engagement with the living consciousness of Kashi.

Speaking about the exhibition, Dr Sehgal noted that Kashi is “not merely a city but a continuum of faith and awareness.” She emphasised that monochrome allows the emotional depth of the city to emerge more clearly, enabling viewers to experience its essence with heightened clarity and contemplation.

The exhibition was attended by prominent members of the art fraternity and the Kokoro team. Soul of Kashi – A Monochrome will remain open to visitors at Kokoro Art Gallery until 20 March 2026.