This new exhibition is for every wildlife enthusiast

In conversation with artist Sushma JainJulia Child wrote her first cookbook when she was 39, Vera Wang became a designer at 40, Charles Darwin was 50 when he published Origin of the Species. Following in the footsteps of these big wigs, artist Sushma Jain, who is debuting her first exhibition in Mumbai at the ripe age of 60, affirms what actor Jane Fonda popular statement: “It’s OK to be a late bloomer, as long as you don’t miss the flower show.”

Now, you may or may not have been lucky enough to spot a tiger in your last safari trip, but if you manage to walk through Jain’s exhibition, titled A Tale Untold, there is enough wildlife here to feed your own wild soul. We sat down with the artist for a quick chat about her debut exhibition.

What inspired you to put this exhibition together?

I like making animal paintings. Actually, it’s safe to say that animals are my weakness; I’m very passionate about them. I have four dogs and I adore them. Over the years, I kept painting animals and my first exhibition has a collection of 34 paintings that were collected through that time, starting with my horse paintings from the year 1988.

What were some of your favourite brushes with wildlife?

I have been on a lot of jungle holidays, from Ranthambore and Gir in India to Africa. I’ve stayed at some beautiful game reserves like Sabi Sabi and Singita. I’ve also been to Nairobi National Park and Masai Mara in Kenya. Each one has been very special. Taking inspiration from them, my exhibition has paintings of horses, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, ducks, birds and many other wild animals.

Nita Ambani is known to encourage art and artists, and we heard that she played a key role in encouraging you to put this exhibition together as well?

Nita and I have been travelling together on wildlife holidays for years. She kept urging me, saying, “why are you wasting your talent, you must go public”. Back then, I thought I didn’t have time. One day, my 36-year-old daughter, who helms a website called Jobsforher.com said that I should gift myself an exhibition and come out there. And so, this happened. Nita inspires me to believe that you can manage it all; she runs her home, her work, manages her children and demonstrates a good work-life balance. She makes me believe that if you really want to do something, you can find the time to do it.

Tell us about some of your favourite wildlife-spotting holidays.

We were in Okavango Delta in Botswana when the car’s tyre got punctured. We got out and got it fixed. Just when we got into the car, we saw a lion pass by. I can never forget that visual.

What is your next project?

After six months, I will launch a collection of nude drawings that I have learnt from London.

Scroll on for a first look at the new exhibition.

Voyage Within (2016), oil on linen canvas, 40” x 58”

My Tribe (2008), oil on linen canvas, 24” x 30”

My Tribe (2008), oil on linen canvas, 24” x 30”

Unbridled (1988), oil on linen canvas, 24” x 34”

On Mission (2018), oil on linen canvas, 40” x 27”

Satiated (2018), oil on linen canvas, 52” x 70”

Solitary Epiphany (2018), oil on linen canvas, 40” x 55”

Mystical Encounters (2018), oil on linen canvas, 50” x 38 ”

Time Remembered (2018), oil on linen canvas, 34” x 48”

Artist Sushma Jain

The exhibition is at display at Jehangir Galleries 3 and 4 until August 27, 2018. Visit Sushmajart.com for more details

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