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lot 16

lot 16

Manu Parekh

Banaras in Monsoon

acrylic on canvas
24 x 30 in. (61 x 76.2 cm.)
painted in 2014

Winning Bid: $ 7,500

Estimate: US$ 6,000 - 9,000

Lot Closed

Lot Details

Signed and dated 'Manu Parekh 14' (lower right)
Further signed, dated, titled and inscribed Manu Parekh 14/ "Banaras in Monsoon" / 24" x 30"/ Acrylic on canvas / 2014 (on the reverse)

PROVENANCE
The Fine Art Advisory, Dubai
Private collection, Dubai

EXHIBITED AND PUBLISHED
Banaras | Varanasi - Mapping the City of Light: Manu Parekh The Fine Art Advisory, Dubai, 2015, unpaginated (illustrated)

The paradoxes that exist in the relationship between man and nature lies at the heart of Manu Parekh's Banaras. As a continuation of the artist's fascination for the intriguing contradictions that lie within the holy city, issues of mortality and the temporal nature of all existence are referenced in his colorful landscapes.

On his Banaras inspired paintings, Manu Parekh said, "I had always wanted to create a truly Indian landscape, and in Banaras I found the inspiration and the symbols to create one. A darker landscape, but with patches of brightness; fearful, crowded with uncertainties but full of faith. A landscape with both bright colors and solemnity; teeming with human energy yet with underlying quietude. I was painting, perhaps, the riddle of faith, by simultaneously depicting incompatible experiences."

A common motif of his Banaras is the ubiquitous temples and shrines. The lights emanating from them provides Parekh the imagery and symbols to create dramatic compositions. To frame a slight change in the mood, he depicts Banaras in different lightings and seasons. Aptly titled, the current piece is Manu Parekh's depiction of the Banaras landscape in the monsoon season.

Manu Parekh

(b. 1939)
Born in Gujarat, Manu Parekh studied at Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai. He has been exhibiting since 1967 and his most recent solo shows include those held at Art Alive Gallery, Gurgaon 2012; Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2010 and '09; Berkeley Square Gallery, London, in 2006; Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 2004, 1994 and 1991; Jehangir Art Gallery and Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2003; Sakshi Gallery, Bangalore, in 1999; ARKS Gallery, London, in 1997; Bose Pacia, New York, in 1996; and Dhoomimal Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 1988, '85, '81, '76, '75 and '74. A retrospective of his work was held in 1992 in Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai. His works have also been featured in several group shows including those held at Art Alive Gallery, Gurgaon in 2012; Gallery Threshold, New Delhi, in 2011, '10; Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai, 2010, '09 and '08; Nature Morte, New Delhi, in 2004; Saffronart, Hong Kong, in 2001 and Lakeeren Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 1977. He has also participated in the III and IV Triennales of New Delhi, in 1975 and 1978. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1990. He received the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 1982, and the President of India’s Silver Plaque in 1972. Manu Parekh lives and works in New Delhi.