A BIRD

Indian artist Nin Taneja spends lockdown in Melbourne painting winged friends

attendance,” said Nin as she described the unusual proceedings. “I put the traditional mehndi on my daughter’s hand and the chuda ceremony was held early morning whilst we were still in our night suits,” she laughed. “The baraat travelled from ground floor to top floor where the ceremony was held in a prayer room and the pheras were conducted through religious chants and music on YouTtube. It was simple yet sweet and still very special,” she said smiling contentedly.

As a present to the newly wed she made a painting of two birds sitting together using a colourful palette for eternal joy and happiness (see right). “I generally work with greens and yellows but this time I changed my colour palette,” said Nin. “Luckily, I had packed some paint and brushes as a last minute impulse, even though at that stage I had no idea my travel plans would change dramatically!” trees and plants. The parrots, rosellas, cockatoos, noisy miners, honeyeaters and the amazing variety of birds that I spotted during my walks fascinated me endlessly,”she revealed.

Nin’s flight back to New Delhi was cancelled within a few hours of her departure when India closed its borders with little warning. Even though she was very disappointed with the uncertainty, she resiliently decided to make the most of her time in Melbourne. Her art came to her rescue.

Nin also managed to attract a lot of birds to the backyard feeding them, taking photos, sketching and painting them.

She has been painting for more than two decades and her works adorn some of the prestigious places in New Delhi. As a professional artist she works and takes classes from her studio in New Delhi and has successfully displayed and sold her art in many galleries, shows and art camps. Besides being an avid bird lover and photography enthusiast, Nin also enjoys painting in all mediums including metal. She also supports the Nature Forever Society in Nasik founded by Moh Dilawarit works for the conservation of sparrows that are facing extinction.

Her particular affinity for winged friends is revealed in her paintings. “This was the best time, I felt, to revel in nature’s interconnectedness. I was simply delighted with the diversity and boundless magic of the natural world around me.” ensured that we observed all the traditions and rituals of a Sikh wedding despite the restricted numbers and lockdown limitations,” shared Nin enthusiastically.

“Only the immediate family was in

Armed with her DSLR camera Nin took to bird watching and exploring the flora and fauna native to Australia. She spent hours walking, taking pictures, painting birds, reading and researching on them and appreciating the beauty that surrounded her.

“One thing that I appreciate most about Melbourne is the aesthetically planted

After two months stranded in Melbourne, Nin was able to secure a seat on one of the early repatriation flights to New Delhi.

Another round of quarantine followed, but through it, Nin was sketching and taking her online classes.

Reflecting on her extraordinary journey, Nin said, “I am grateful that I utilised her time in lockdown well; it was an experience that nourished the soul.”