Khula Aasman: A journey through memory, migration, and resilience

Khula Aasman:  As visitors step into the serene setting of the Partition Museum and Seema Kohli Studio, they are immersed in the evocative world of Khula Aasman (Open Sky), an exhibition that intertwines personal history, memory, and migration, telling the story of Seema Kohli’s ancestral connection to Pind Dadan Khan and the broader experience of Partition.

Curated by Adwait, this exhibition explores themes of migration, loss, and resilience, linking personal histories to larger narratives of displacement. Through a series of multimedia works, Kohli takes viewers on a journey that explores identity, belonging, and the enduring bond between the artist’s present and her familial past.

“I grew up hearing stories about Pind Dadan Khan—the land, the rivers, and the relationships,” Kohli told Patriot. “Even though I’ve never been there, those stories resonated deeply within me. The memories felt like an integral part of who I am, despite the physical distance. These recollections inspired me to explore my ancestral history and connect it to broader experiences of migration and loss.”

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Mirroring past and present

At the heart of Khula Aasman is the multichannel video installation Mirroring the Past, which explores the gap between Pind Dadan Khan and the artist’s current residence in New Delhi. “The installation captures the journey of my family’s migration, mixing past and present, and reflects my emotional ties to both places,” she said.

The work is deeply rooted in memory. Kohli uses this installation to blur the lines between time and space, merging the architecture of her present studio with images of her ancestral home. “In the video, the camera gently caresses the facade of the family home, Bada Ghar, savouring every detail before sweeping across the Mohalla. It’s as though the memory of this place welcomes me back,” Kohli said, describing the emotional pull of the images.

Breathing life into frozen moments

The exhibition also features family photographs, some of which were revived using Fuji colours—a material her father purchased in 1957. “These photographs from the 1930s, taken with my father’s camera, hold immense emotional value,” she explained. “Reviving them felt like breathing life into memories frozen in time. These images bridge generations, making the past tangible and alive.”

Paintings that evoke connection

The exhibition’s emotional depth is further enhanced by paintings such as Yamuna, which reflects her father’s bond with a cow left behind during their migration. “The cow was a symbol of our connection to the land and a poignant reminder of the complex emotions tied to loss during Partition,” Kohli said.

One of the exhibition’s most striking works is Gulab ke Khet, a large painting depicting the rose fields her family crossed during pilgrimages to nearby shrines. “These rose fields were a backdrop to my family’s daily life and part of the practice of Unani medicine, a tradition passed down through generations,” Kohli added.

Phulkari as a symbol of resilience

The exhibition also features a collaborative phulkari created with the Meher Baba Charitable Trust in Bassi Pathan, Punjab, reflecting Kohli’s ancestral landscapes along the Jhelum River and the Salt Range. “Phulkari symbolises resilience and heritage. Using this art form to represent the land and memory connects personal and cultural narratives, weaving together stories of place, memory, and identity,” Kohli explained.

Hope beyond Partition

Kohli’s exploration of Partition’s legacy is not limited to her family’s experience but extends to the broader migration narrative. “It delves into the hidden side of Partition, focusing on hope and rebuilding rather than longing. While rooted in my family’s story, the project reflects a universal experience of displacement and resilience, showcasing how people created a new future with a sense of promise,” she explained

The title Khula Aasman or “Open Sky” encapsulates the theme of hope. “My father always taught me to look beyond the immediate. The open sky symbolises infinite possibilities,” Kohli reflected. “It represents a mindset of resilience—one that looks ahead to a brighter future.”

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Love as a healing force

While the world stands hugely divided, Kohli believes this exhibition invites visitors to embrace love as a healing force. “I do not believe remembrance alone heals wounds—I believe love does wonders. I want visitors to take away a sense of hope, a realisation that infinite possibilities exist, and the courage to move forward with a broader perspective on life,” she said.

Through a combination of photographs, video, paintings, and crafts, Kohli’s exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the complexities of migration and the universal search for belonging. “These mediums allow me to engage with the past in a tactile, immersive way, making history feel alive and accessible,” she added.

Looking ahead, Kohli’s exploration of memory, migration, and identity remains a central focus. “The process of creating this work has been a journey of rediscovery, allowing me to interpret my family’s past in ways that are deeply personal and universally resonant,” she said.

While Khula Aasman draws on Kohli’s personal history, its themes of love, resilience, and hope transcend borders and time. “I hope this exhibition serves as a reminder that love and understanding are the bridges to a more unified world,” she concluded.

The exhibition is open for viewing until February 15, 2025, at the Partition Museum and Seema Kohli Studio.