A vibrant showcase of watercolour paintings depicting the ornithological wonders of India and the world, A Bird Call by Delhi-based artist, educator, and conservationist Rupa Samaria opens on 14 March 2022 at the Visual Arts Gallery of India Habitat Centre in Lodi Colony, New Delhi. The solo exhibition brings out the striking beauty of these soaring wonders of nature, through exaggerated brushstrokes and vivid hues, while making a case for protecting and preserving the natural diversity within the species. The exhibition will be open to the public till 23 March 2022, from 11 AM to 7 PM.

Samaria’s bright and stimulating lifelike artworks across various mediums such as watercolours, acrylic, charcoal, sculpture and interactive art portray the various moods, poses and habitats of birds found across the Indian subcontinent, including owls, sparrows, kingfishers, and other native birds. These depictions of fast-disappearing species of birds give voice to their vulnerability in the face of the urgent threat to their habitats.

Born and raised in Patna, Samaria has displayed her artwork across India. Her art has always borne the imprint of her passion for birds and wildlife conservation. She has exhibited her work at the Coringa Bird Festival 2018, Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation, Gaj Yatra organised by the Wildlife Trust of India, and other prestigious platforms. Her previous solo exhibitions include A Bird Came Down the Walk, Birds of Uttarakhand, and Ek Thi Chidiya, which was also exhibited at IHC.

Says Samaria, “My avian art comes from my love for these creatures, who I love to paint using my brush and sculpt using my hands, a process which gives me immense gratification as an artist. Moreover, we should be alarmed at the statistics of the recent State of India’s Birds report, which show a decline in the number of house sparrows in cities. I believe the time to act is now.”

The illegal trade of protected bird species is not a recent phenomenon. For instance, the poaching of owls, who are sought after for various body parts, is very common. Besides, the absence of sparrows from urban environments, owing to modern ‘matchbox style’ architecture that does not support the building of nests, is so noticeable that each rare sighting is now tinged with nostalgia.

Ironically, March 20th is recognised as World Sparrow Day, a rude awakening to the fact that the sparrow population in our concrete jungles is rapidly dwindling. Some of the artwork on display highlights the subtle beauty of these humble birds, reminding the observer of their everlasting charm and enduring memory.

In this context, an exhibition comprising 50-60 artworks of various species of birds, many of which urban dwellers may never have spotted, brings home the point that endangered animals being pushed to the brink of extinction is not an isolated incident, but signals the loss of a vital component in a complex web of interactions, without which the entire ecosystem may crumble.

The exhibition aims to help visitors rediscover a world inhabited by the most familiar yet unique creatures—birds. Each artwork features startling detail in colour, line, form and composition, depicting the magnificence and fragility of birds in equal measure, and rekindling a precious and ancient connection to the natural world.

The exhibition is supported by noted ornithologist, author, and conservationist Bikram Grewal along with photographer, author, and conservationist Nikhil Devasar, as well as Former Principal and Education Coordinator, Notre Dame Schools, Sr. Mary Beena, and Educator Krishna Gupta.

“Rupa Samaria is a fine practitioner of the dying art of ornithological paintings and a worthy successor to artists like DV Cowen, JP Irani and Carl D’silva,” states Bikram Grewal. Nikhil Devasar adds, “Rupa’s work brings to mind Oscar Wilde’s quote, ‘Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.’ Her paintings have given creative expression to the avian world. These works of art are moments frozen in time that enthuse the viewer to discover what lies in the natural world and the need to protect it.”

As a major highlight of the exhibition, on Sunday, 21st March, between 11.30 am-12.30 pm, Rupa Samaria will be hosting an hour-long session titled ‘Walk and Talk’, to introduce children under 14 years to the fascinating world of birds. The session will be aided by conservationist Hema Maira and will feature storytelling by Ananya Mitra. To meet the artist in person and explore mesmerising visualisations of nature’s sprightliest creatures in their resplendent glory, set aside a few hours of your week for A Bird Call, showcasing exclusively at India Habitat Centre.