Veteran Indian artist in Oman, Rashmi Dauria, 75, whose work has been commonplace in most joint exhibitions held in Oman over the past four decades, will be showcasing her work in a solo exhibition titled ‘Visions of the Creator’ (August 11-17) at the historic Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai (India) which has been closely associated with the development of contemporary Indian art. “Oman has been a significant part of my life and has impacted my journey immensely,” the artist who’s almost as old as this gallery (established in 1952), tell Hubert Vaz in a free-wheeling chat. Excerpts:

What is the name of your upcoming exhibition and when will it be held?

My exhibition is called ‘Visions of the Creator’ and will be held from 11th August 2025 to 17th of August 2025 at the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai.

How many works will be on display and why did you choose Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai?

Almost 45 paintings will be on display. I chose Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai because I have always wished to hold a solo show in India, especially at the Jehangir Art Gallery which is one of the most renowned galleries in Mumbai.

Since you have spent the last 40 years in Oman would it not be right to hold this exhibition first in Oman?

This is not my first solo exhibition. In fact, my first solo show was held in 2009 under the auspices of the Embassy of India, with the support of the then Indian Ambassador, Anil Wadhwa.

What is the theme of the exhibition?

Spirituality, the theme of the exhibition has been taking deep root in my mind and heart for some time now. With my practice, expressing how this was manifest in my life is what I have shared in most of my artworks.

Are the exhibits divided into any broad categories?

No, there are no particular categories. The artworks portray a wide array of subjects depicting our rich Indian culture, so that art lovers can enjoy a wide range of cultural aspects as per their interests.

Who is the curator of the exhibition and were any guidelines given by the gallery?

I am the curator of my own exhibition. I selected works that mainly showcase Indian culture. There were no guidelines from the gallery. After being reviewed by the gallery, they determined that my artwork was appealing and of high quality and encouraged me to display my work in a solo exhibition.

Your works mostly depict vibrant facets of life and nature – do bright colours have a special place in your life?

Most definitely. I enjoy painting in bright colours as they bring joy and life to my paintings. When I begin working on a piece, I present the artwork as I feel it and most times that is depicted on the canvas with bright colours. It is completely spontaneous.

What are the different genres you have tried and which are you most comfortable with?

I work with a wide range of genres. It entirely depends on how I am feeling at the moment I begin working on an artwork. I really enjoy making portraits. I work with several mediums like water colours, acrylics, and oil but I am most comfortable working with water colours.

Did you receive any formal training earlier in life?

I never had any formal training. From my childhood, I enjoyed painting so much that I spent days working on different artworks, so I would say most of the skills I developed came from practising my art and honing my own skills. As they say, practice makes perfect. My only arts related education was in Graphic Design. I had graduated from the JJ Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai with a diploma in Graphic designing. However Graphic Designing is very different from Fine Art.

Is there some genre of art that you are not comfortable with?

No, not really. I always try to experiment with different types of art and media. I like trying new things.

What is your opinion about ‘multimedia installations’ which you can see, hear, smell and touch nowadays?

Frankly speaking, I have not learnt computer graphics as a graphic designer and have limited knowledge of these art forms. However, it is exciting to see how art has transformed and continues to transform every day, as it should. These contemporary mediums are a new way for the younger generation to express themselves and it is wonderful to see.

The beauty of art is that it is a form of expression which changes as time changes. All art forms in their essence are forms of human expression and it’s only natural that as we evolve, the way we express art will also evolve.

Do you think these new art forms will survive long?

I believe, art will keep evolving. The good thing is that expression of art has no boundaries and there is a place for every kind of art Form. The beauty is in the diversity. As time changes, newer forms will come into existence. There is no limit to human expression and there is enough and more space for all types of art forms.

What is your message to budding artists in Oman and in India?

My message to all budding artists is – If you’re really interested in any art form, learn the basics properly first, then keep practising and expressing yourself.”

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions yet?

No, I am very grateful that even today, at the age of 75, I am able to do what I love doing every single day.

What role did Oman play in your long journey as an artist?

I have lived in Oman for over 40 years. In my early days I did a lot of graphic designing work for about 15 years but in my personal time I painted every day, which I continue to do till date. I have always been extremely inspired by Oman’s beauty, culture, and heritage and have drawn many parallels between the Omani and the Indian cultures.

I have numerous paintings with Omani themes like its nature, wadis, rural life, wildlife, structures, etc. I also have been commissioned multiple times to paint portraits of late His Majesty, the Sultan (former Sultan of Oman). Oman has been a significant part of my life and has impacted my journey immensely.