As we once again visited Keren SouzaKohn's lively home studio nestled amidst the lush green paddies and red roads of Saligao, our gaze fell on her colourful artworks reflecting life in Goa. Splashes of green, blue and intimate depictions of unhurried life in the coastal paradise uncovered vibrant portrayals of quiet village moments, the local folk and bustling markets. This immediately made us wonder about her artistic journey so far, and hence we embarked on yet another interview focusing on the life and art of Keren SouzaKohn.
Watch the interview here.
We started by diving into Keren's early influences, particularly the impact of her mother, Liselotte Kohn. Liselotte’s life as a Holocaust survivor, and successful actress brought a powerful narrative and emotional depth to Keren’s upbringing. It was inspiring to hear how Liselotte’s dramatic experiences and resilience subtly influenced Keren’s artistic vision.
Moving beyond her parents, Keren shared how a wide range of creative influences shaped her early development. From avant-garde artists like Max Beckmann and Otto Dix to the intense compositions of Shostakovich, these diverse forces played a crucial role in her growth. Keren’s reflections on these influences gave us insight into how they resonated with her and helped define her unique artistic voice.
We then delved into Keren’s time at Ravensbourne College in the 1970s, which was anything but conventional. She described how the college’s focus on self-expression rather than technical skills impacted her artistic development. We also speak of her and her father F.N. Souza being exposed to American Abstract Expressionism around the same time, both chose to carve their own distinctive style. She spoke of the importance of having thorough knowledge of the basics in order to move past them.
As we continued our conversation, Keren talked about her transition from working in black and white to embracing vibrant colours. This shift marked a turning point in her work, and she shared the moments and events that led her to explore colour more fully.
Keren’s exploration of Figuration, Abstract Expressionism and its connection to spirituality was another highlight of our discussion. We talked about how her work from the late 70s to the late 80s features a blend of figures , symbolisation, abstract forms and bold colours, allowing her to express profound spiritual and existential themes.
We also explored the recurring theme of duality in Keren’s paintings, often portrayed through symbols like blue structures and abstract figures. She explained her fascination with this theme and how it represents the tension between physical, spiritual, and emotional worlds in her art. We concluded by discussing how her surroundings have continually influenced her work, leading us to her vibrant paintings of Goa and grounding us in the present moment.
