Renowned for his exquisite artistry, National Award-winning artist Ompal Sansanwal’s solo exhibition, JIVA is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of nature. Featuring around 60 of Ompal’s paintings, this marks his first solo outing after a hiatus of 15 years. Each piece of art in the gallery feels like a shower of rainbows, with every stage of colour highlighted, showcasing the artist’s unparalleled skill and artistic vision. It serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and importance of our natural surroundings, particularly as the world observed Earth Month last month.
Each artwork evokes a profound connection to nature, reminding us of the beauty that the artist has captured. It’s akin to sitting in a peaceful forest, listening to the gentle chirping of birds — a hall full of paintings that truly lives up to the title of ‘Meditations on Trees.’ In his meticulously crafted paintings, the long roots and branches heavy with leaves take on various shapes, telling different stories — some mythological, others resembling human-like figures with eyes, nose, and mouth. Each painting reflects the deep bond between Ompal and his mother, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection.
Curated by renowned art historian and scholar Uma Nair, the exhibition was hosted by Black Cube Gallery for its debut at Bikaner House. Uma Nair’s eyes for art never fail to impress, showcasing each painting in its true essence, beyond mere visual appeal. Her ability to highlight the intricate details and deeper meanings embedded in each artwork elevates the exhibition to a whole new level. The timing of the exhibition during Earth Month in April adds to its significance.
Sanya Malik, the director of Black Cube Gallery, has played a pivotal role in bringing this exhibition to life. Her keen eye for detail and her dedication to presenting Sansanwal’s paintings in the most captivating manner have truly enhanced the overall experience of ‘JIVA.’ As the world celebrates Earth Month, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and importance of our natural surroundings.
The ‘JIVA’ exhibition is a heavenly experience, where nature, trees, animals, and humans are all interconnected through Ompal’s artistic vision. The balanced colors and techniques in each canvas create a visually stunning display. Ompal’s fascination with trees is evident in every piece, embodying not just isolated entities in time but dynamic elements in a complex interplay with the environment.
The acrylic, pen and ink on canvas, and watercolor pieces are striking for their intricate treatment and vibrant colors. They beautifully represent the connection between humans and trees, offering an immersive impact on viewers. Ompal’s 15 years of paintings depict his journey of getting lost in his own world of art, where trees are not just subjects but extensions of his being, evoking beautiful stories. It’s a meditation not just for him but for all visitors who stand in awe of his work, appreciating each piece.
In a conversation with the artist Ompal, he shared that his mother is his greatest inspiration. Growing up surrounded by trees and forests near his hometown, he drew inspiration from the stories and environment around him. For Ompal, painting trees and nature, and even humans, is a form of meditation, deeply involving him in the process of creating art. His paintings, deeply rooted in humanity and nature, carry a special message to love and preserve trees and nature—plant as many as you can and save our planet.
The ‘JIVA’ exhibition by Ompal Sansanwal is not just a collection of paintings but a profound reflection of the artist’s soul and his deep-rooted connection with nature. Through his meticulous artistry, Sansanwal transports viewers into a world where trees are not mere subjects but living beings, each with its own story to tell. His paintings, with their intricate details and vibrant colors, evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, inviting us to contemplate our relationship with the natural world.
‘JIVA’ is not just an exhibition—it’s a journey, a meditation, and a celebration of our deep-seated connection with nature. It urges us to cherish and preserve our environment for generations to come, echoing the artist’s message of love and respect for trees and nature.
