Paresh Maity, the renowned Indian artist,
was awarded the editors award at an extravagant ceremony which was held to
celebrate the Eastern Eye Arts, Culture and Theatre Awards (ACTAs), where the
very best of British South-Asian talent is recognised. Paresh Maity is the
first receiver of this prestigious award, which was presented by Hamza Jeetooa,
the famous British actor cum film-maker. Hamza spoke highly of Maitys
contributions to the art community and the deep impact he has created, he said:
“Paresh Maity is one of the leading contemporary artists of his time and is
regarded as India’s leading water colour painter – from a humble background not
far from Kolkata, he was initially self-taught but slowly began to establish a
strong reputation. His water and boats series brought him to the attention of
the art community in India and since then he has gone onto become one of
India’s most important painters".
Maity talked about his relationship with
art and painting while receiving the award. His belief is that art is a medium
of cultural diversity and a connoisseur can explore the numerous aspects and
visions that life has to offer through art and develop different perspectives
on life and culture.
He commented: “Winning this award is an
incredible experience. I have always been inspired by our world of colours. My
travels, which have taken me to many new countries, form an integral part of my
life and my art. Our world is diverse and we need to celebrate that diversity –
the way our individual and social lives intersect and bring vibrancy to the
world. Colour is life; it is the universe. Without colour and the play of light
and shade, life will cease. Art has a unique ability to transcend the everyday
– whilst the common discourse tells us that different people and cultures are
all antagonistic towards each other – art reminds us that we are all part of
the same canvas.”
Paresh Maity’s paintings have found their
way into revered collections, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery
of Modern Art in New Delhi and the Vatican embassy in New Delhi amongst others.
He is popularly known for using vibrant colours to evoke passion through
paintings. His works have been honoured by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts
Society Award for Best watercolour painting, Birla Academy of Art and Culture,
the British Council visitor ship award, the Dayawati Modi award for Art,
Culture and education and the Padma Shri award.
"Paresh is a man who believes in
humanity first and this ACTA award is a testament to that humanist ideal that
inspires everything he does. It goes without saying, that this shows through in
his creativity of colours and ingenuity on canvas. Paresh's spontaneity and
imagination are vast and unique, and no doubt have helped him win professional
and complimentary accolades across India and now internationally."
The Stellar International Art Foundation,
which was conceptualised by the Choudhrie Family, has been amongst the first
patrons and supporters of Paresh Maity. The foundation commissioned Maity to
make watercolours of their vintage cars after meeting him over his very first
exhibition in Delhi in the 1990s. Since then, the Foundation undertakes the
majority of his oeuvre, including his largest series of watercolours, 57 pieces
of Venice.
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