Nishtha Jain’s art practice is grounded in the quotidian yet intimate spaces of life. This resonation comes, in part, from the way her paintings expose simple human presence and relationship in scenes so recognisable. be it a mother performing the balancing act of a lifetime, a group of individuals gathering in common spaces or coming together to share a meal, Jain’s art embodies the vibrancy and poignancy of the everyday.
As a young child, much of her development as an artist was formed through the experiences she had at railway stations, and museums. Sketching the rise and fall of human activity, she cultivated an eye for detail and narrative. Her exposure to sculpture in the museum enhanced her understanding of form, perspective and texture, foreshadowing her move toward figurative compositions.
Jain’s use of colour is especially stunning — her bright palettes are not only visually lush but are deliberately used to elicit emotion and form a connection. She believes in keeping the viewer’s eye, stretching a moment into an eternal engagement, an idea she feels is necessary for the speed race that is modern art.
Jain’s art transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her compositions honour the rhythm of life and echo themes of resilience, community and feeling. The works of Nishtha Jain are not mere visual depictions but lived experiences that bring the audience closer to the narratives behind each frame.
By reinventing commonplace encounters and preserving them with all their spirit through bright colours and fine features, Jain positions herself as an observation and narrative visionary. Through her art, one can stop, contemplate and rediscover the beauty of the familiar, which creates a strong testimony to the timeless appeal of human connection.
Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer & researcher.
