Bengaluru: Pune-based artist Anand M Bekwad has come out with a Mahakumbh series of acrylic paintings on canvas. A couple of them are already being exhibited at several places, and they are of the following sizes: Mahaumbh Dark Blue: 47"x36" and Light Blue, again of the same size.
A fond wish comes true: He was thinking of visiting the Triveni Sangam as soon as the historic Mahakumbh commenced. However, the wish remained a distant dream due to the non-availability of seats in the trains and exorbitant airfare. Luckily, that predicament remained at the beginning of the Mahakumbh for a few days, and the situation changed when his Bengaluru-based brother-in-law decided to make it by road in his vehicle. Likewise, Anand M Bekwad reached Nagpur to accompany his relative for leaving to Prayagraj.
No painting and only photos: Although elaborate arrangements were made at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati rivers for all those desiring to have a holy dip, the ambience wasn't meant for doing any paintings. Anand M Bekwad explains, "It was a memorable experience worth remembering for a lifetime. Despite the best of preparations, I couldn't think of doing any drawings or paintings. So, as an alternative, I took as many photos possible and back home did the paintings at my studio".
A must-visit for all artists and writers: The Maha Kumbh Mela event from 13 January to 26 February 2025 was unique by multiple factors for happening once in 144 years. A Hindu pilgrimage festival marking a full orbital revolution of Jupiter around the Sun was a rare phenomenon of sorts. It was once in a life time opportunity for all artists and writers, apart from the faithfulls' to experience and revert with their impressions in whatever forms possible, felt Anand M Bekwad, taking a dig at me for not visiting.
Landscapes and floral art: Anand M Bekwad, born in Pune, Maharashtra, did his Diploma in Drawing and Painting at Belagavi in Karnataka. By and large, landscapes and floral art have been his favourite themes. Initially, he began with painting landscapes before being drawn to florals and themes related to nature. “Though I mostly work with watercolour on paper, for florals, I prefer using acrylic,” he says. In the paintings that focus on nature, through deep colours, he brings to life the full blooms flanked by majestic trees and vines.
30 group and solo shows: His paintings have been displayed in over 30 plus group and solo shows. His primary goal is to elicit feelings of joy and positivity in his audience. “I want people to feel happy and tranquil when they look at my work,” he says. Anand takes special care while mixing colours and making strokes. “Balance is the key,” he says.
Vibrant essence of Varanasi: Some time back, he did a series on Benares, capturing the vibrant essence of Kashi through his joyful and colourful renditions. His artwork reflects the dynamic energy and cultural richness of this ancient holy city. His creations offer a unique perspective of the pilgrimage place's timeless allure.
Journey of water through landscapes: Anand M Bekwad is known for his watercolours and acrylic paintings and tries to narrate the journey of water with different landscapes of Benares and Madurai. He believes in registering the views of the cities from complete plates and finished watercolours. Capturing through vibrant splashes of colour and fluid line-work present the liveliness and poignancy of a timeless pastoral visual text.
No idea on the numbers: When asked to know the number of works he intends to do on the Mahakumbh series, Anand M Bekwad gave a cryptic reply-"I have no idea and keep working on the same at my home studio whenever I get into a mood".
-Manohar Yadavatti
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