A love for wildlife turned into art. A body of work emerged, footsteps were followed. Ajay Singh Peelwa and his son Vajrapratap Peelwa capture Indian wildlife in their canvases. Listen in as the father relives this journey.
By Ajay Singh Peelwa
My journey as an artist began with a deep fascination for wildlife, horses, and the natural world. Since 2003, I have been exhibiting my paintings at galleries and art exhibitions across India and abroad, using my art as a medium to celebrate the beauty of nature while creating awareness about the urgent need to conserve wildlife and its habitats.
Born and raised in Rajasthan, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by a rich cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for nature. My education at Mayo College, Ajmer, helped shape my artistic foundation and encouraged me to explore different forms of creative expression. Over the years, I have experimented with a wide range of mediums and techniques, including realism, contemporary art, miniature painting, printmaking, serigraphy, etching, lino printing, mixed media, and handmade natural pigments. I believe that every medium offers a unique way of expressing the emotions and stories that inspire my work.
Wildlife conservation has always remained at the heart of my artistic practice. Through my paintings, I strive to highlight the magnificence of animals while drawing attention to the challenges they face due to habitat loss, climate change, and human intervention. I strongly believe that art has the power to inspire change, and I have donated many of my paintings to support wildlife conservation initiatives and organizations working towards protecting our natural heritage.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of exhibiting my work in several national and international exhibitions. My paintings have been displayed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and at numerous prestigious exhibitions across India. My artwork I Am Coming for You was recognised among the Top 10 winning entries at the 6th Annual Nature Art Online Exhibition, and my work has also been selected for internationally respected exhibitions such as the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition in London and the TOFTigers exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society.
I have participated in numerous national and international painting competitions throughout my career, and I continue to seek opportunities that challenge me creatively and allow my work to reach wider audiences. It has been an honour to have my exhibitions inaugurated and appreciated by distinguished members of Indian royal families, eminent personalities, and political leaders whose encouragement has been a constant source of motivation.
For me, every painting is more than an artwork it is a conversation between nature and the viewer. My goal is not only to capture the grace, strength, and spirit of wildlife and horses but also to encourage people to value and protect the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us. As an artist, I remain committed to exploring new techniques, pushing creative boundaries, and using my work to contribute, in whatever way I can, towards a more sustainable and compassionate future.