Shubha Bahadur, born and raised in Delhi, is an alumna of the renowned College of Art, Delhi, where she developed a deep passion for watercolor painting. She specializes in watercolor artwork, appreciating the grace and fluidity that this medium offers, even though it is not commonly used today. As an artist, her technique appears impressionistic, but she does not categorize her paintings into any specific style. Instead, she describes her artwork as a realistic interpretation filled with emotion, which has received praise from art enthusiasts and fellow artists alike for the depth of feeling it conveys.
Unlike many other artists, Shubha does not rely on photographs to create her watercolor paintings. Instead, she prefers to capture her subjects directly on-site, painting them while surrounded by their beauty. This unique approach allows her artwork to reflect a profound connection to India’s rich heritage, especially the historic monuments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, South India, and her own city of Delhi. With each stroke of paint, she attempts to capture the spirit of these places, conveying their history and beauty through her watercolor paintings.
A central theme in her journey as an artist has been her deep fascination with the River Ganga. This sacred river has inspired countless generations, from rulers to spiritual seekers. To Shubha, the Ganga symbolizes the heart of India’s cultural and spiritual identity. Her artwork portrays the journey of the river, starting from its icy source in the Gangotri glacier, where it rushes with powerful force, cutting through mountains and forests before becoming a calm, wide river in the plains.
As the Ganga flows downstream, it is joined by other tributaries like the Alaknanda and Mandakini. At Prayagraj, her confluence with the Yamuna is captured beautifully in Shubha’s watercolor paintings, especially during the magical moments of sunrise and sunset. Further along in Banaras, the river is celebrated as holy, and Shubha’s art beautifully captures the vibrant ghats and the continuous stream of pilgrims who seek a holy dip for spiritual salvation.
Shubha’s paintings are also deeply influenced by the mythology surrounding the Ganga. According to legend, the river descended from the heavens to the Himalayas to bless humanity. Her watercolor art remains true to these ancient depictions, portraying the Ganga both as a flowing river and a divine goddess as seen in temples and sculptures. Her art gallery displays works where she brings a softness and fluidity to these traditional stone images, making them feel almost alive. In one of her artworks, Ganga stands atop the mythical creature Makara, symbolizing the life-sustaining force of water. Ancient temple ruins dedicated to Ganga seem to come to life in her paintings, showing her skill with watercolor and her deep reverence for the subject.
Shubha Bahadur has held exhibitions in various art galleries, where her watercolor paintings have been widely appreciated. Her works are available for sale, attracting collectors who are drawn to the heartfelt stories her artwork tells. Through her art, Shubha continues to share her love for India’s rich heritage, capturing its timeless beauty with paint and brush.
The “Eternal Ganga” solo art exhibition by Shubha Bahadur will be held from 22nd to 28th November 2024 at the AFACS Art Gallery, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, where visitors can experience her stunning watercolor paintings firsthand.
