Jamil Khan's Imagination: Where nature and memory take shape

A fountain sits quietly at the edge of a small backyard, water spilling over its edges in a steady rhythm. Paintings are placed throughout the space—some propped against trees, others hanging from wooden frames or set on easels. It's not the usual setting for an exhibition, but the walk leading to it is an experience of its own. 

Stepping through the wide door feels like entering another world where time moves slowly. The air carries the scent of old books and fresh tea, and the surroundings call for conversations that linger—perhaps a debate over Tagore's greatest work, shared between sips of tea with a raised pinky finger.

Garden Gallery Cosmos presents Jamil Kham's 'Inspiration', a collection of acrylic paintings and sketches that reflect his artistic journey. When asked about his work's inspiration, he simply answered, "Nature. I find peace in it. I'm also a photographer, and I try to recreate my artwork through the photographs I take. Whatever feels natural to me, I bring to the canvas."

Jamil Khan follows a singular path when it comes to his artwork, staying true to his vision without distraction. All his art has one subject to focus on and the rest of it is coloured background. 

A self-taught artist, his sketches bring out the innocence and simplicity of childhood, capturing moments that feel both distant and familiar. His oil paintings, on the other hand, serve as a quiet reminder that nature remains an endless source of inspiration, unchanged by time. Through his work, Khan bridges nostalgia and the present, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty found in both.  

Though largely self-taught, Khan spent time at an art school in Singapore, an experience that shaped his artistic discipline. "Being in an art school kept me rooted in my work and helped me become more consistent," he reflects. The structured environment provided him with the tools to refine his techniques while allowing him to stay connected to his personal style.

The acrylic paintings which stood out were the ones where the artist let his artwork speak through movement and contrast, using deep blues and bold strokes to capture nature in its raw form. Each piece feels like a moment frozen in time—waves in motion, a restless sky, or the tangled mess of branches. His brushwork is strong but never forced, letting the colours and shapes take their course.

The blue painting series pulls you in with one of them in a swirling pattern, almost like staring into the heart of the sky or a reflection in water. The other with its flowing lines which resemble rolling waves or shifting sand, while the last one has a gloomy undertone feeling heavier, with dark streaks cutting through the blue like shadows from twisted trees.

Khan doesn't just paint what he sees—he paints what stays with him. His work feels instinctive, shaped by the photographs he takes and the places that give him peace. Each stroke is a reminder that nature, whether calm or wild, always leaves something behind.