Rupa Samaria’s interactive art and installations on birds gets popular with youngsters, says N Kalyani
A trained artist, Rupa Samaria is a specialist in bird and wildlife art. Her art works have been part of various solo and group exhibitions. She has to her credit several workshops and camps. Her work has taken her around the country, right from Delhi to Tirupati to Bengaluru to Dehradun to Jaipur to Leh to Kakinada. Her interactive art and installations have piqued a great deal of interest in viewers. In an interview with N Kalyani, the Delhi-based artist shares her work as a bird artist and the joy it gives her.
You made a transition from teaching to being a full-time artist. Tell us something about this. Where and what were you teaching? When and why did you make this move into art?
I have been painting since childhood. I went on to do a three-year diploma in arts from a polytechnic in Delhi. After working in advertising for a while, I realized my true passion was painting, so I left that job and began teaching art. While I enjoyed teaching, I struggled to find time to pursue my own dreams, so I left full-time teaching in 2017. I still work as a substitute teacher in the art department at the American Embassy School, where I teach elementary kids and conduct workshops on bird art.
My fascination with birdlife grew after meeting birding friends and going out with them to observe birds. This led me to want to learn more about them, which is why I decided to leave my full-time job at the American Embassy School to become a full-time artist focused on painting wildlife, particularly birds. One of the highlights of my teaching career was the overnight fifth-grade trip to Ranthambore National Park for wildlife observation and tiger spotting.
I chaperoned this trip every year and helped plan it with the person who had been leading the trips for many years. It was during these trips that I developed a love for wildlife, a passion for conservation, and a fascination with birds. Seeing birds in their natural habitat re-ignited an interest I had first discovered while in Mussoorie in high school.
My first sighting now was of an Indian Pitta, a strikingly colourful bird known for its vibrant plumage of bright green, blue, and rust-coloured feathers, often found in forests and gardens across the Indian subcontinent. That experience marked the beginning of my journey into birding. And since 2018, I have been painting and exhibiting my bird and wildlife art.
What do you like to portray and convey through the birds you showcase in your art?
I chose to focus on bird art because of my deep passion for wildlife and conservation, particularly the brilliant colours and stunning plumage of birds that fascinate me. Their vibrant hues and intricate patterns inspire me to capture their beauty in my artwork. Through my paintings, I aim to showcase their unique colours, behaviours, and habitats, sharing their stories with others. By highlighting the wonders of avian life, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these creatures and their environments. Each piece I create is a way to connect people to the natural world, especially the younger generation who are often glued to technology. I seek to inspire them to appreciate the beauty of nature and understand the vital role birds play in our ecosystems.
What are the bird species you feature in your art?
In my art, I portray a variety of birds, both common and exotic species. I am drawn to those with vibrant colours and unique patterns, such as tragopans, owls, sparrows, finches and various other species found in India. I choose these birds not only for their stunning plumage but also because each has fascinating stories and roles within their ecosystems. For example, pheasants like tragopans captivate me with their striking colours and how they embody the beauty of the forests. Similarly, owls hold significant cultural importance in India, symbolizing wisdom and mystery.
Through my artwork, I aim to highlight the diversity and beauty of birdlife while also raising awareness about their conservation and the habitats they depend on. Each bird I depict has a special place in my heart, and I hope to share that connection with others through my paintings.
What are the art media you work with? What are the different artworks you create? For instance, you have created interactive art, and art installations. And you have focussed on the sparrow.
I work on diverse mediums including sculptures and interactive art. Through attention to line, form, hues, and composition, I strive to bring to life on canvas and other mediums the beautiful birds of the Indian subcontinent and the world.
My art in vibrant and vivid watercolours on paper, acrylic on canvas, terracotta sculptures and interactive art depicts the sprightly creatures. Interactive art uses technology to communicate in a direct way to enable participation. So, the artwork responds to the observer.
The objective of creating interactive art work on song and call of the birds is to break the boundary between the natural world of these birds and the rampant urbanisation today. I want to create awareness amongst the younger generation and highlight the uniqueness of these singing birds and leave a lasting impression on young minds.
Youngsters who are so caught up with technology are often too busy and engrossed with their phones generally remain unaware of the natural world around them. I want to break this barrier and communicate to the audience. My interactive art is a reminder to everyone how precious the birds are. So, next time when they hear these birds’ sing outdoors, they would realize that a world without the sound of these birds would be truly desolate.
Our millennials believe in interactive media like television, phones, laptops etc. They often miss out or not notice the simple and sweet sounds of nature. So, I thought of interactive paintings for the younger generation to catch their attention and interest. Interactive paintings would be an interesting way to connect them to the world of birds. While we grew up listening to the sound of sparrows chirping in our gardens and balconies, the younger generation living in high-rises in big cities perhaps have no idea what a sparrow sounds.
To our younger generation I would like to introduce through this painting the chirping of a sparrow in case they have missed out on this delightful sound. I want the millennials to know and understand that this sound is so important and precious for one associates it with the comfortable and happy sound of home, gardens and parks full of flowers and birds, our beautiful Earth and the fact that all is still good with the world. Today’s generation may not be as well-acquainted with the humble house sparrow (chidiya) as the people of Delhi once were. Sadly, with rapid urbanization and lifestyle shifts this tiny house guest has vanished from our daily lives. The sparrow is not just a bird, but a sentiment attached to the place we call home. The chidiya reminds me of my childhood, and I am very sentimental about them. This painting is an attempt to recreate this sentiment.
How fulfilling do you find your work as an artist? As a bird artist?
I find my work as an artist very fulfilling, especially as a bird artist. Creating art that captures the beauty of birds allows me to share my passion for wildlife and conservation. Each piece I make helps tell the story of these amazing creatures and highlights their importance in our ecosystems.
It’s rewarding to see people connect with my artwork and appreciate the vibrant colours and stories of birds. Knowing that my art can inspire others to care for nature, especially the younger generation, brings me joy and purpose. Being a bird artist truly enriches my life.
Tell us something about your upcoming show.
My upcoming exhibition is to be held in New Delhi in February 2025. It is focused on the birds of northeast India. This region is a paradise for bird lovers, home to some of the most diverse and vibrant avian species in the world. With its lush green forests, expansive wetlands and majestic hills, northeast India provides the perfect habitat for a thriving bird population, including many rare and endangered species.
From tiny, elusive piculets to majestic raptors like the Amur falcon, the birds of this region showcase ecological richness and natural beauty. Their vibrant colours, melodious calls and intricate behaviours reflect the delicate balance of their environment.
My childhood visits to Darjeeling remain vivid in my memory, as the beauty of the flora and fauna left a lasting impression on me. As I continue to explore, my collage grows with each step, unfolding naturally in the pages of my sketchbooks and capturing the essence of this journey. The forthcoming exhibition aims to bring this hidden world to the forefront, highlighting both well-known and lesser-seen species of Northeast India. Through this collection, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the crucial role birds play in maintaining ecological harmony, while also emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures for future generations.
