Bengaluru-based artist Nidhi Mariam Jacob is translating personal experiences of grief into botanical art, using realistic watercolour paintings and murals to explore themes of loss and healing. Her work, which largely focuses on detailed botanical illustrations, has found a new dimension as she channels sorrow into creative expression.
Art as a Vehicle for Grief
Jacob, known for her precision in watercolour, began this series after experiencing a significant personal loss. She explains that painting flora allowed her to process emotions that words could not capture. "Botanical art requires patience and attention to detail, which became a meditative practice for me during a difficult time," she said in a recent interview.
Her recent exhibition in Bengaluru featured over 20 works, including large-scale murals and intimate watercolour pieces, each depicting native plants and flowers in various stages of life and decay. The contrast between vibrant blooms and withering leaves mirrors the duality of grief and acceptance.
Realism and Symbolism in Botanical Art
Jacob’s technique involves multiple layers of transparent watercolour washes, building up colour and texture to achieve a lifelike quality. She often includes symbolic elements, such as fallen petals or broken stems, to represent loss. "A wilting flower can be as beautiful as a blooming one," she noted. "It tells a story of impermanence."
The artist has also created murals in public spaces across Bengaluru, bringing her botanical grief series to a wider audience. One mural at a community art centre in Indiranagar depicts a cascade of jasmine flowers, a common sight in the city, with some petals drifting away to signify letting go.
Impact and Reception
The series has resonated with viewers, many of whom have shared their own stories of loss. According to Jacob, several visitors to her exhibition remarked that the art helped them feel less alone in their grief. "Art has the power to connect us through shared emotions," she said.
Jacob’s work contributes to a growing trend of using botanical art for mental health and emotional expression. She plans to continue this series, expanding into other mediums such as printmaking and digital art.
