The twin-solo art exhibition ‘Whispers of the Woods: Abstract Impressions’ by serving IAS officers Nidhi Choudhari (Maharashtra cadre) and Rajanvir Kapur (West Bengal cadre) was inaugurated at the Hirji Art Gallery of the Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, by Ashish Shelar, Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra. Among the notable guests present at the opening were Satyanarayan Choudhary (Joint Commissioner of Police - Law & Order), Rajiv Mishra (Principal - Sir JJ College of Architecture), Dr Aneel Kashi Murarka (philanthropist), Sukhraj Nahar (CMD of Nahar Group), and Laxmi Narayan Mishra (Joint MD, MSRDC). Free from commercial intent, the exhibition presents nature-inspired artworks as a deeply personal and creative expression by two civil servants who turn to the canvas for reflection and renewal.
Blending abstract imagination with the organic forms of nature, ‘Whispers of the Woods’ offers art lovers a deep, immersive reflection on humanity’s timeless relationship with forests, trees, and the ecological wisdom they represent. It is a rare coming together of public service and creative expression, where two accomplished civil servants present their personal artistic journeys alongside their professional dedication.
Rajanvir Singh Kapur, a 2012-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, currently serving as Special Secretary, Sundarbans Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal. Known for introducing artistic innovations into public spaces, he transformed Kolkata’s historic tramways into moving libraries and restaurants during his tenure as Managing Director of West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC). His acrylic abstract figurative works, featured in this exhibition, reflect his evolving artistic voice and have been showcased in several solo exhibitions in and around Kolkata.
A 2012-batch IAS officer, Nidhi Choudhari is currently serving as Director, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Born in Marwar, Rajasthan, a region where the legendary sacrifice of Amrita Devi and the 363 Bishnois forms part of everyday consciousness, Nidhi’s artistic sensibility is rooted in reverence for nature. Her early years in rural Rajasthan, followed by two decades of service in major Indian metros - Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and now Mumbai, have given her a unique lens to examine how relationships with nature have evolved across contexts.
Nidhi Choudhari’s semi-abstract mixed media artworks reflect on the sacred role of trees across civilizations - Indian, Greek, Egyptian, Norse challenge the modern detachment from nature in the face of climate change, overconsumption, and environmental degradation. For her, art becomes a form of advocacy, inviting viewers to rekindle their reverence for trees as vital symbols of cultural memory and ecological balance. “Whispers of the Woods: Abstract Impressions’ is not just an art show for me… it’s an awareness initiative. Through textured abstractions and symbolic expressions, I hope to prompt viewers to pause, reflect, and reimagine their connection with the natural world, especially with trees, the ancient sentinels of life,” shares Nidhi Choudhari.
Rajanvir Singh Kapur’s works showcase a striking new collection inspired by Aboriginal Australian art and the Dreamtime philosophy. Fascinated by its dot work and spiritual symbolism, Kapur has infused these elements into his vibrant storytelling style. Painting since his youth, Kapur launched Pratigya Abhiyaan in 2005 to support children’s education through art. As an IAS officer, he led innovative public campaigns - including a voter awareness drive using Patachitra art and pioneering projects like the world’s first Tram Art Gallery and TramWorld in Kolkata. “During a recent visit to Western Australia, I was deeply inspired by Aboriginal art and the Dreamtime philosophy. Exhibiting at Jehangir Art Gallery is a dream come true for any artist. Through this, I want to express that art knows no borders… it can merge cultures and geographies. Here, Australian Indigenous art is reimagined by a Punjabi artist based in Kolkata, the cultural heart of India, now showcasing in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital,” expresses Rajanvir Singh Kapur.
Whispers of Woods: Abstract Impressions will be on display until June 22 at Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, daily 11 am to 7 pm. Entry free for all.
