How artist Paresh Maity has taken his works across the globe

Paresh Maity at work
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Last week, the world got to witness, once again, the celebrated artist Paresh Maity’s dedication to the craft he has made his. He made his Cannes Film Festival debut at the age of 60 with the watercolour ‘Himalayas to the Indian Ocean’, which was unveiled on May 18. This work showcased the breath-taking landscapes of the Indian subcontinent.

Then, the influencer Shalini Passi wore a Manish Malhotra creation inspired by Paresh’s ‘Longitude 77’. “From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, every thread tells a story. This is not just couture, it is a canvas, blending my love for art, fashion and India. Grateful to represent our heritage on a global stage,” Shalini shared on Instagram.

Shalini Passi at the Cannes Film Festival in a Manish Malhotra gown inspired by Paresh Maity’s art
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy: Shalini’s Instagram

From the Venice Biennale to the red carpet at Cannes, Paresh’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary artistry has captivated audiences worldwide.

For Paresh, the Cannes Film Festival is like the Olympics for films. “My art is always a celebration of energy and joy. To be there at Cannes, in that atmosphere, gives me excitement and inspiration,” he adds.

Paresh’s journey, from Purba Medinipur (West Bengal) to the global stage, stands as a testament to his perseverance and ability to innovate. “I come from a lower middle class family with no exposure to art. When I was seven, I was introduced to art in school. I then knew that I would do this till the last day of my life. I started clay modelling and sculpture, making clay toys and trying to sell them at village fairs. Till Class 10, I used to make huge Saraswatis and Kalis during Durga Puja and sell them to pandals to support my family,” he shares.

Soon after, Paresh dabbled with watercolour. Known for his ability to experiment with a multitude of styles and media, Paresh has earned the title of the ‘Turner of India’. His works have been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums worldwide. “I use watercolours, oils and acrylics, often in bold colours and forms. I do not create the canvas, the subject calls to me. If it is a serene landscape, my preferred medium is watercolour, complex compositions require oils, acrylics and so on. I do not choose the medium and then decide on the subject, but, let the subject decide the medium,” Paresh explains.

Paresh Maity’s Jackfruit sculpture in front of the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

In his artistic journey, Paresh, who was bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2014, has transcended traditional boundaries, creating some significant pieces of public art in India. His latest is a stunning Jackfruit sculpture in front of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata. This whimsical and vibrant piece reflects Paresh’s ability to stay contemporary and in touch with his roots.

One of his iconic creations is the Bankura Horse, a traditional symbol of rural Bengal. Paresh breathes new life into this age-old motif, recreating images on them and marking his insignia.

Paresh often reminisces about his days as an art school student, where he would spend hours experimenting with different media and styles. And, he continues to innovate — be it using bells to create sculptures (a huge bull) or transforming Bankura Horses into a canvas for Bollywood portraits. He has also curated interactive performances with sarod artists Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and has been known to paint to the strains of their virtuoso father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s Malhar.

At the 60th edition of La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Art Biennale) in 2024, which explored the theme of ‘foreignness’, Paresh was among the 12 Indian artists who showcased their work — his creation was the sculpture ‘Genesis’.