‘This Beautiful World’ is an upcoming art show at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi by Dr Sushma Mahajan. The show is curated by Art Historian and Consultant Author Dr. Alka Pande. The four-day art show runs from August 2-5, 2024. The remarkable exhibit features 40 exquisite watercolour paintings that bring out the beauty of our surroundings through her unique perspective. Her inimitable style and mastery of watercolours breathe life into a diverse range of subjects, from enchanting flora and fauna to captivating landscapes and architectural wonders.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are 10-12 artworks depicting the enchanting aspects of flora and fauna, such as the cute innocence of a rabbit, the elegant charm of horses, and the ferocity of a wild cat. The collection also includes serene autumn landscapes and vibrant floral compositions. Additionally, the key attractions at the exhibition will include 10-12 artworks on temple art, inspired by the architectural grandeur of Konarak, Hoysalas, and Cholas.
Dr Mahajan has teamed up once again with Dr Pande for this exhibition, following the duo’s successful exhibition ‘Curious Charms, The Magic of Aquarelle’ last year. ‘This Beautiful World’ also features European and Cuban architectural influences, including scenes of Bavarian castles, London pubs, the Adriatic coast, and Cuban streets. Her fascination with vintage cars is evident in six compositions, while three portraits of young girls capture profound expressions.
“From x-ray scans to a world of beauty. The essence of Sushma’s artistic expression is to excavate beauty from the darkest moments of life. Working as a radiologist in the department of oncology, Sushma interacts with people who are often in moments of despair and the despairing anguish of life. What is singular about Sushma’s mindset is the fact that she sees a definitive positive and the essence of nature, from which we have so much to learn. Sushma’s internal landscapes represent a reality of life where there is Ikaam Satya” says Dr Alka Pande.
“The exhibition theme is ‘This Beautiful World‘ and my endeavour as an artist is to make you appreciate the abundant beauty all around us, hidden and obvious, through my compositions. The viewer will get to see my whole range of art encapsulating flora and fauna, portraits, architecture, and still art. A new addition will be my creations inspired by our temple art and mythology.” expresses Dr Mahajan.
About Dr Sushma Mahajan
Dr Sushma Mahajan is a distinguished medical professional and a passionate artist. She completed her MBBS at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, and her MD in Radiology from Government Medical College, Patiala. With over two decades of experience, DrMahajan has been a vital part of Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital in Jaipur for the past 14 years, serving as the Head of Radiology and recently promoted to Director.
Beyond her medical career, Dr Mahajan discovered her artistic talent during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Self-taught, she embraced watercolour painting, finding it a cathartic escape from her demanding professional life. Her art, characterized by its vibrant and precise realism, often features animals, architecture, and nostalgic vintage items. Dr. Mahajan’s artworks have been showcased in several successful exhibitions.
About Dr Alka Pande
Dr Alka Pande is an art historian who has taught Indian Arts and Aesthetics at Panjab University for over ten years. Her major interests include gender identity, sexuality, and traditional arts. She has received numerous awards, including the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, the Australian-India Council Special Award, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi honours, and the CIMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023. She is currently the head of the Visual Art Gallery at the India Habitat Centre. Dr Pande also set up the Bihar Museum Biennale in 2021 and is now the chief curator for the Bihar Museum Biennale.
Image Courtesy – Dr Sushma Mahajan
