The Visual Arts Gallery at India Habitat Centre will host “The Lotus Bloometh,” a solo exhibition of paintings and ceramics by the accomplished artist Ruchi Chadha from August 27th to 31st, 2024. Curated by Robinson, this exhibition is dedicated to Sensei Daisaku Ikeda, an inspiration for Chadha.

Ruchi Chadha’s journey as an artist is a testament to the unique and fertile mind required for creativity. A graduate of the College of Art, Delhi, Chadha has consistently drawn inspiration from nature, a central theme across her work. Her deep connection with nature led her to the lotus-a symbol she explores from a fresh perspective, capturing its underwater view on canvas. This approach has earned critical acclaim in numerous exhibitions where she participated as both artist and curator.

The desire to delve deeper into the lotus motif eventually led Chadha to ceramics. She began with smaller pieces, exploring the three-dimensional aspects of the lotus in a tactile and intimate manner. “The Lotus Bloometh” represents a year’s worth of dedicated work, bringing together paintings and ceramics. This show creates a dialogue between the physical beauty, metaphysical significance, and transcendental qualities of the lotus.

Throughout history, the lotus has held a revered place in various cultures, symbolizing purity, spiritual enlightenment, and rebirth. In Indian culture, the lotus is especially significant, revered in traditions, religions, and mythology. It is also India’s national flower. In the Bhagavad Gita, the lotus serves as a metaphor for detachment, teaching that just as the lotus remains untouched by the murky waters in which it thrives, humans too should rise above earthly attachments. In Buddhist tradition, the lotus is closely associated with Buddha, symbolizing his rise above worldly concerns to attain nirvana. This exhibition is a significant moment for Chadha, who feels honored to present her solo show in the same space where Sensei Daisaku Ikeda once showcased his photography. For Chadha, this exhibition is not just a display of her work but a tribute to a figure who has profoundly influenced her artistic and personal journey.

Ruchi Chadha: An Artist’s Exploration of Nature and Spirituality

Ruchi Chadha’s artistic career was shaped by her education at the College of Art, Delhi, where she trained under distinguished teachers who guided her in developing a unique style that blends technical skill with deep emotional resonance. Nature has always been central in Chadha’s work, with a particular focus on water, embodying the beauty and depth of the natural world.

For Chadha, art is more than just expression-it is devotion. She believes that art plays a crucial role in personal growth, offering vibrancy, texture, and a medium through which one can gain insights to face life’s challenges. Her connection to the lotus, both its physical beauty and its spiritual symbolism, led her to create an entire series of works exploring the lotus from a unique underwater perspective. In “The Lotus Bloometh,” Chadha presents over 40 paintings and 150 ceramic works, including an 18 by 8 feet painting depicting the lotus in its natural habitat. These works invite viewers to engage with the lotus not just as a symbol, but as a living entity embodying hope and faith amidst adversity. Through her art, Chadha seeks to create a meditative experience, encouraging viewers to explore the depths of their own understanding, much like the blooming lotus she so beautifully portrays.

Robinson, the exhibition’s curator, notes that Chadha’s work is not only a visual feast but a profound exploration of life’s nuances.