“Brushstrokes of Endemic Echoes,” a solo exhibition by botanical illustrator Suresh Ragavan, is currently on display at the Kadambari Art Gallery in Chennai’s DakshinaChitra Museum. Running until June 2, the exhibition features 157 meticulously detailed paintings of India’s avian life, focusing on species from the Western Ghats. 

Ragavan, with over three decades of experience at the Botanical Survey of India, has combined scientific precision with artistic flair to portray endemic, endangered, and IUCN Red List bird species. Each artwork includes scientifically accurate details such as color patterns, posture, and gender differences, accompanied by captions detailing species names, food habits, lifespan, and conservation status.

The exhibition aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to preserve India’s biodiversity, highlighting the threats posed by climate change, deforestation, and human encroachment. Ragavan emphasizes that birds are early indicators of ecological health, and protecting them is crucial for maintaining balanced ecosystems.

Open from Wednesday to Monday, 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours until 7 pm on weekends, the gallery remains closed on Tuesdays. The exhibition offers an opportunity for visitors to engage with the intricate beauty of India’s avian species and reflect on conservation efforts.