A NEW exhibition from a globally-renowned Indian artist is coming to Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.
From India to Leicester will run from 21 September to 1 December and will showcase the work of Leicestershire resident Kamal Koria (K.Koria) over five decades.
Kamal Koria is known for his dynamic and colourful approach to contemporary Asian art. His bold, unique style merges traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, and has captivated audiences worldwide.
The exhibition will present a collection of new works that explore human expression and capture the essence of domestic village life in India.
Born in Gujarat, India, Kamal Koria's journey to becoming a celebrated global artist began in Belgrave, Leicester. Despite being encouraged to pursue a career in the sciences, he overcame significant obstacles to succeed in the arts, making a name for himself on the international stage. His art has been exhibited in galleries across Europe and Asia, earning him accolades for his innovative use of colour and form. In addition to his fine art, Kamal Koria is celebrated for his contributions to popular culture through his vibrant Bhangra album covers and Diwali card designs.
Exhibition curator Khyati Koria-Green, Kamal’s daughter, said: “The Indian diaspora have contributed considerably to the UK’s culture, businesses and industries. My father’s contribution to the visual arts started as a defiant choice, then paved the way for young Asian creatives including myself, an artist curator. This exhibition stands testament to his commitment to the arts.”
Assistant city mayor for culture, libraries and community centres, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “It’s wonderful that we will be able to showcase Kamal Koria’s renowned works in his home city. Leicester is a diverse place, which people from all over the world now call home – and we are very lucky that this is reflected in the rich culture we are all able to experience. We are proud to make these works available for everyone to enjoy, for free, at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery.”
Also opening at Leicester Museum on Saturday (21 September) is an exhibition of beautifully coloured and crafted basketware from around the world. The exhibition will showcase a fraction of the artefacts collected by the social reformer Harry Peach, who founded the Dryad cane furniture company in Leicester in 1906. Dryad Basketry: a Global Collection opens on Saturday and continues until 9 March 2025.
Both exhibitions are free to attend.
On 27 October, a Meet the Artist talk hosted by Khyati Koria-Green will give museum visitors the chance to learn more about Kamal Koria and the inspiration behind his latest works.
To find out more, visit leicestermuseums.org/IndiatoLeicester and kamalkoria.com
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