14.06.2026 

Master watercolour artist Ankush Atthi presents his exhibition at the Roerich Estate

From June 6 to June 14, the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar hosted a solo exhibition of watercolour paintings by renowned Indian artist Ankush Atthi from Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

The exhibition, titled “Essence of Art,” introduced visitors to the work of a master whose paintings have already become well known among art lovers in the Kullu Valley. One of the admirers of Ankush’s work is Russian artist Amia, who currently lives in Naggar. She was delighted to meet the artist and learn more about his creative journey.

“For Ankush, this exhibition marked his tenth presentation at the Roerich Memorial Trust. Over the past several years, he has regularly exhibited his work here twice a year, in June and December. According to the artist, Naggar holds a special place in both his life and artistic practice.

‘Naggar calls me,’ says Ankush when describing his long-standing connection with this place. He is drawn by its peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty, and the unique cultural environment created around the legacy of Nicholas Roerich. He held his first exhibition at the Trust in 2021, and since then it has become one of his most important exhibition venues.

Ankush is best known as a master of watercolour painting. His works are distinguished by exceptional technical skill, meticulous attention to detail, and an extraordinary ability to capture the mood and spirit of nature. The exhibition featured a wide variety of subjects, all executed exclusively in watercolour. Visitors could admire paintings of animals and birds, rural homes, ancient temples, majestic mountain peaks, and seascapes. Despite the diversity of themes, all the works were united by the artist’s masterful command of the medium, delicate use of colour, and ability to convey the atmosphere of each place and subject. The mountain landscapes, in particular, left a lasting impression on viewers, beautifully expressing the grandeur and serenity of nature.

Ankush’s interest in art began in childhood. From an early age, he enjoyed drawing and experimenting with colours and forms. Later, he received professional training at Panjab University, where he refined his skills and laid the foundation for his artistic career.

However, painting is only one aspect of his contribution to the arts. Today, Ankush is also a respected educator and serves as the head of an examination centre involved in the training and certification of future art teachers. Each year, between twenty-five and thirty aspiring educators complete the programme under his guidance.

The artist actively supports young talents and encourages students to engage in creative practice, participate in exhibitions, and develop their artistic abilities. In his view, art plays a vital role in shaping character and helping individuals discover and express their inner potential.

Speaking about talent, Ankush shares an interesting perspective. He believes that artists are, to a significant extent, born with a natural creative gift. When a person demonstrates a love for drawing from childhood, artistic development often unfolds more naturally. As an example, he compares an artist to a bird: ‘A sparrow is born with wings and sings naturally.’ In the same way, he believes, artists come into the world with an innate creative ability. At the same time, he emphasizes that dedication, education, and continuous practice remain essential for anyone who wishes to pursue art seriously.”

The solo exhibition of Ankush Atthi at the International Roerich Memorial Trust once again demonstrated the high standards of contemporary Indian art and highlighted the important role that artists and educators play in society through their contribution to culture, art education, and the preservation of artistic traditions.