Two Singapore-based artists – Shivali Mathur and Vincent Seet – took their brushes and vision to the forests of Rajasthan for the Save the Stripes – Ranthambhore International Art Camp, a powerful artistic initiative held from July 22 to 26 at Ranthambore National Park.
Organised by the Jaipur Art Summit and Astral Limited, in collaboration with Singapores Strokearts and Shaping Hearts, the art camp brought together 27 artists and five young talents from around the world to champion tiger conservation through live painting and cultural exchange.
Set against the backdrop of Ranthambore’s lush wilderness, the camp highlighted the urgent need to preserve wildlife and natural habitats, using art as a universal language to spark dialogue and inspire action.
Curated by artist and Ranthambore safari guide Vijay Kumawat, the event showcased the harmony between creativity and conservation.
The invitation to Singaporean artists was a continuation of over a decade-long collaboration between Strokearts and the Jaipur Art Summit. This partnership had earlier brought the Origin of Art exhibition to Singapore in 2024, underscoring the shared mission to preserve folk and traditional art while fostering international dialogue.
For Singaporean folk artist Shivali, the camp was a platform to merge cultural heritage with environmental advocacy.
“Traditional art is my identity – just like the tiger is the identity of Ranthambore,” she said.
One of her paintings, in the vibrant Madhubani style, portrayed the tiger not merely as an endangered animal but as a symbol of strength and harmony in nature.
Her second painting was a tribute to 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations, featuring Batik motifs, orchids, and iconic architecture – reflecting the values of progress, friendship, and cross-cultural ties.
“Art, for me, is more than aesthetics. It’s a bridge between the past and future, a language of connection and conservation,” she said.
Representing Shaping Hearts, Singapore’s largest inclusive arts initiative, was stroke survivor and wildlife advocate Vincent Seet, who travelled with his wife and fellow artist Tan Lee Lee.
Vincent’s journey to Ranthambore was facilitated by a collaboration between Shaping Hearts and Strokearts, born out of a shared commitment to inclusivity and meaningful artistic causes.
Despite health challenges, Vincent displayed three emotionally resonant works centered on the relationship between wildlife and hope.
One of his standout pieces, Glimpse of Hope, captured a mother tiger protectively watching over her cub – a portrait of love, vigilance, and the promise of a better future.
Another painting, From Within to Without, showed a tiger seated in calm silence, symbolising the transition from danger to harmony, set against a vibrant horizon.
Through his works and personal story, Vincent offered a deeply moving narrative that blended artistic resilience with environmental awareness.
“It was a great honour to represent Singapore and raise our voices for tiger conservation on such a meaningful platform,” said Vincent.
He is also actively involved in teaching art to those recovering from mental health challenges, using creativity as a therapeutic and empowering tool. His participation highlighted the intersection of art, inclusivity and advocacy.
The camp’s impact went far beyond the visual. It was a vibrant gathering of artists from India, Sri Lanka, Greece, and Singapore, who not only created but also exchanged stories, cultures and visions for a more sustainable world.
“The camp brought artists together to reflect the urgent threats facing wildlife – from climate change and habitat loss to pollution,” said founder and director of Jaipur Art Summit Shailendra Bhatt. “We were honoured to have artists like Shivali and Vincent join us. Their creativity and passion brought unique perspectives that deeply enriched the experience.”
Through the collective power of paint, canvas and dialogue, the Save the Stripes art camp achieved what words alone could not – it brought people closer to nature, reminded audiences of what is at stake, and used artistic expression to fuel empathy and action.
The inclusion of artists from Singapore marked a new chapter in global cultural collaboration, celebrating not only biodiversity but also diversity in talent, background, and artistic interpretation.
The artworks created during the camp are expected to be showcased in future exhibitions and public outreach programmes, both in India and Singapore, as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support conservation efforts.
