She bared all for her brush

For Japan-Born, India-bred Yuriko Lochan, true art is what emerges after you strip yourself naked, quite literally too

She bared all for her brush

For Japan-Born, India-bred Yuriko Lochan, true art is what emerges after you strip yourself naked, quite literally too

To what extent can one go in order to prove themselves extraordinary? 40-plus actors build six-packs, models turn a size zero, musicians mix jazz with Hindustani and chefs create Schezwan style dosas. But, there are also those who go from nothingness to nude to find a meaning trampled by most of the world. Yuriko Lochan, for instance, has shed every possible stereotype to play a subject to herself.

Why nude ain't rude
Yuriko has her own set of reasons to explain why posing nude wasn't a bad idea. "I was doing similar kind of work. Picking the same mythological characters every time, and gaining mastery over them. So, I thought, why can't I propose a concept of my own? The first idea that struck me was that of self portrait. Never have artists painted themselves in the nude, albeit a few, maybe. However, the portraits are representations of feminism as a whole, not just my attitude," clears the artist, who moved to India over two decades back.u00a0

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The grapes aren't sour
The solo show of watercolours and acrylicsu00a0 has two kinds of expressions Immanence and Transcendence. While Immanence refers to works done in watercolour on Japanese paper that create a soft and subtle subconscious imagery, the latter consists of works in acrylics on canvas.

"The 27 featured works are straight and direct in expression. The exhibition is divided into five series Prakriti, Tree of Life series, Banana Leaf, Self, and calligraphy in ink on paper," says the Noida-based artist. While Prakriti talks of a woman's glory, Tree of Life takes cue from grapes, which are the symbol of life in Christianity.

Banana Leaf is inspired from artists who stay in Kerala, while the Self series, done in acrylics on canvas, are conclusions of self-introspection. Her series of calligraphy in ink on paper is a spontaneous, free flowing yet controlled expression of art.

"I have completed several levels of being an artist. Through this show, I feel Iu00a0 have created a place for myself, which becomes very important when you've done enough," she signs off contently.

Immanence to Transcendence
At: Galerie Romain Rolland, Allianceu00a0 Franu00e7aise de Delhi, 72 Lodi Estate
Timings: 11 am to 7 pm
When: Till November 30