Doctor-turned-artist Dr Sushma Mahajan’s exhibition brings out the beauty in surroundings

Art and science may appear to be on opposite ends of the pole, but there is always a bit of art involved in science and vice versa, believes doctor-turned-artist Dr Sushma Mahajan.

“Albert Einstein was accomplished in so many art faculties and likewise, Leonardo da Vinci had such a brilliant scientific side to him. I feel these are mentally created boundaries and the challenge is to just transcend them,” she says referring to the great personalities as she talks about her own artistic endeavours and how one field does not restrict the other.

Dr Sushma Mahajan is currently serving as director of radiology, Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital, Jaipur. Her artistic pursuits are a testament to the fact that both arts and science go hand in hand. Her recent exhibition ‘This Beautiful World’ features 35 watercolour paintings, from flora and fauna to landscapes and architectural wonders, that bring out the beauty of one’s surroundings through Dr Mahajan’s eyes. The collection 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 was brought out in six compositions, while three portraits of young girls captured profound expressions.

The doctor discovered her artistic skills during the lockdown in 2020. Self-taught, she embraced watercolour painting, finding it a cathartic escape from her demanding professional life.

“Working with cancer patients has made me empathetic. Painting gives me the needed catharsis of sorts after spending hours with cancer patients at the hospital. And once my art started getting recognised, it spurred me to chase my passion with deeper conviction.”

On using watercolours as a medium, she says they have become her go-to companion in the paint studio and she loves the kind of luminous finish it imparts to her artworks. “My compositions are essentially in vibrant hues and it is all about emanating positive vibes through my creations which derive inspiration from the beauty which surrounds us. Since I do lots of animals and also a few human portraits, I love the challenge of planting the desired expressions in the eyes of my characters as an artist.”

The exhibition titled ‘This Beautiful World’ encompasses the beauty around us. From temple art inspired by the Cholas & Hoysalas in the south and the Kalinga art in the Konarak, she has attempted mythology as well and imparted sculpted finish to the deities. There are 13 such artworks on display in the exhibition. Second segment is inspired by the architectural splendour – from a signature pub in London to a street in Havana or something as magnificent as a Bavarian castle in the backdrop of Alps. Third segment is artworks which depict the beauty of nature, flora and fauna. Then there are vintage cars and portraits.

“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. Sushma interacts with people who are often in moments of despair and in the despairing anguish of life. What is singular about her own mindset is the fact that she sees a definitive positive and the essence of nature, from which we have so much to learn”, says art historian and consultant author Dr Alka Pande.

Last year, the doctor turned artist had presented a successful exhibition ‘Curious Charms, The Magic of Aquarelle’ at India Habitat Centre (IHC). Dr Sushma Mahajan’s solo exhibition was curated by Dr Alka Pande at the Visual Arts Gallery, IHC.