Past and Beyond: Exploring memories and architecture in Smita Jain’s solo exhibition

Smita Jain, a textile designer turned artist, presents her solo exhibition ‘Past & Beyond,’ which showcases her memories from the past and the possibilities of the future through her architectural abstractions. The exhibition, curated by Aakshat Sinha, captures the essence of the places she has traveled to, including her ancestral home in Bihar, the mystic homes of Ladakh and Kashmir, the rustic palaces from Rajasthan, the holy city Benaras, and the countryside of Europe.

From textile designing to painting

Jain started her art journey over two and a half decades ago after completing her diploma in Textile Designing from Delhi. While working as a private fine arts tutor in Mumbai and Delhi NCR, she honed her skills and leveraged them in creating captivating art pieces. Over the years, her artwork has been part of numerous exhibitions across India. Her work primarily revolves around acrylic on canvas with a plethora of textures using a multitude of textiles, tools, etc.

The inspiration behind Smita Jain’s art

Her grandfather, who spent his days and nights painting watercolors, inspired Smita Jain to become an artist. Her ancestral home in Ara, Bihar, is also imprinted in her memory. Each trip she takes helps her create a style of architectural abstraction where the landscapes or cityscapes she paints capture not only the architecture but also the ambience of the location.

Architectural abstractions and memories

Smita Jain’s acrylic paintings tell stories that she has heard while traveling. The vibrant colors reflect the life and vivacity of the space without depicting any human or animal figures in the compositions. Her cityscapes go beyond realistic architectural representation, as she creates an assortment of memories hanging in gaps, hidden in shadows, and floating with the clouds. She uses printing blocks, stencils, and spatula impasto to create textures and motifs.

The role of the Curator

Curator Aakshat Sinha explains that his role was to help Smita Jain see what she subconsciously already knew about her work and to present it in new ways. He believes that Smita’s desire to explore her work, be it through materials or presentation, is the driving force behind the exhibition.

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The living presence of structures

Sinha further adds that the structures and buildings in Smita Jain’s paintings suggest a living presence because they are designed for habitation. Her cities are not some lonely, deserted wasteland, but rather a brief period of human irrationality or solitude. A perceptive eye, an imaginative mind, and a beating heart can all physically sense the conversations that are occurring there, as well as the lights, shadows, reflections, smells, and tastes that hang in the air.

Overall, Smita Jain’s ‘Past & Beyond’ exhibition is a visual representation of her memories and experiences. She finds inspiration in the intricate details of the buildings’ exteriors, which give her a glimpse into the lives of those who reside within. As an artist, she continues to paint with the same love, passion, and gusto, and her journey has only just begun.

When and where?