Kochi artist Jazeela Sherif’s solo show dwells on the meditative quality of watercolour

As an artist, Jazeela Sherif finds watercolour the most inspiring medium. Though considered challenging, she is fascinated by the luminosity of watercolour and the fact that it demands the artist to be mindful and present. “Unlike most other mediums, it is impossible to make corrections in a watercolour work. So, the artist has to have the painting all planned in his or her mind. One has to be sure while putting brush to paper,” she says. Watercolour is also one of the mediums which takes longer to master, she adds. 

Having been an artist for over 15 years, dabbling in acrylic, soft pastels and watercolour among other mediums, Jazeela has been part of various solo and group shows. 

An engineer-turned-CFO and a former auditioned singer of the All India Radio, Jazeela began devoting all her time to painting after retirement. Currently based in Kochi, she is working on designing watercolour sessions for the elderly. “Watercolour has a deeply meditative quality. It calms the mind and soothes the nerves,” she says.

Jazeela will host a solo show, Unhurried Soul, at the David Hall Art Gallery in Kochi from October 17. The paintings capture the scenic beauty of Keralam’s landscapes. From the pink green expanses of waterlily ponds, punctuated by the bright pink of the lilies to Keralam’s famed boat races and cityscapes, the exhibition includes over 50 works. Though a majority of the paintings are in watercolour, a few in acrylic and soft pastels, are also on show. The works invite viewers to pause, reflect and immerse in the calmness they evoke. “The title conveys that. I want viewers to enjoy the peace,” she says.

Unhurried Soul will be on from October 17 to 20 at David Hall Art Gallery, Fort Kochi.