“This Beautiful World” – A Solo Exhibition by Dr. Sushma Mahajan Curated by Dr. Alka Pande

NEW DELHI: Dr. Sushma Mahajan presents her solo exhibition “This Beautiful World,” curated by the Art Historian and Consultant Author Dr. Alka Pande. The exhibition will take place at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre from August 2 to August 5, 2024.

“This Beautiful World” features 35 exquisite watercolor paintings that bring out the beauty of our surroundings through Dr. Mahajan’s unique perspective. Her inimitable style and mastery of watercolors 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.

Following the successful exhibition “Curious Charms, The Magic of Aquarelle” showcased last year at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Mahajan has teamed up once again with Art Historian and Curator Dr. Alka Pande for this exhibition.  “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. The exhibition promises to enchant art enthusiasts with Dr. Sushma Mahajan’s masterful watercolors and attention to detail, making it a must-see event for all.

“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 in 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” say’s Dr. Alka Pande.

“I am quite excited to showcase my latest collection of watercolor paintings at IHC, Delhi once again after a year and a quarter. The exhibition theme is ‘This Beautiful World’ and my endeavor as an artist is to make you appreciate the abundant beauty all around us, hidden and obvious, through my compositions. As was the case in my earlier exhibition in April last year, 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. All in all, 36 artworks that I have painstakingly crafted in the last year or so will be on display at my forthcoming exhibition. I just hope it receives the same warmth and love as was received for my first show here!” expresses Dr. 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, Dr. Mahajan 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 watercolor 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, including prominent venues like the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Her artworks are also displayed in the homes of notable figures such as Ajay Shriram, Alok Shriram, Vinita Singhania, and even Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, not to mention several suites at the Taj Hotels. Her pieces, which exude positivity and joy, are highly regarded and adorn prestigious households and hotels. Dr. Mahajan aspires to take her art global, continuing to explore and evolve her creative expressions.

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, and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi honors to mention a few. Pande has also been involved in curating exhibitions and has been awarded the CIMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023. She is currently the head of the Visual Art Gallery at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Dr. Pande also set up the Bihar Museum Biennale in 2021 and is now the chief curator for the Bihar Museum Biennale.

Venue: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre –

Lodhi Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110003