Manu Parekh born in 1939 in Ahmedabad shines brightly in Indian modern art ‒ his creations full of deep feelings and lively energy. Famous for his daring designs and special mix of real and abstract styles, Parekh brings life and spirit into his art. Through his unmatched skill, Manu Parekh’s paintings symbolize a colorful journey of hues, feelings and stories.
Artistic Foundations and Evolution
Parekh started his path as an artist at Mumbai’s Sir J.J. School of Art ‒ he finished his studies in drawing and painting in 1962. Inspired by legendary artists and the lively spirit around him, he created a unique style that blended expressive brushstrokes with geometric shapes. His early time in Calcutta exposed him to the ancient masters of Indian art ‒ adding more depth to his work.
Themes and Signature Series
The Flower Series
Parekh’s famous theme ‒ the Flower Series ‒ shows his love for nature’s beauty. Manu parekh paintings use bright colors and thick brushstrokes bringing energy and movement. Manu Parekh’s flower art tells lively stories exploring various lights, shades and feelings, even calm moonlit scenes. Each flower painted with care and emotion, holds a mix of strength and softness touching the viewer’s senses.
The Banaras Series
A different feature of Parekh’s career is his deep involvement with the city of Banaras. When his father died Parekh discovered comfort and inspiration in the timeless rhythms of this old city. The Banaras Series shows the ghats, the moving Ganges and the colorful skies ‒ illustrating the cycle of life and death. Manu Parekh’s paintings from this series are a lively mix of expressive strokes, geometric shapes and bright colors ‒ driven by his strong spiritual and emotional bond with the city.
Exhibitions and Global Recognition
In 1968, Parekh began his successful career with his first solo show in Ahmedabad. Through the years people have admired his art in many important solo and group shows, like “Banaras – Eternity Watches Time” in London (2007) and “Faith” at Art Alive Gallery (2012). His art traveled across continents ‒ receiving praise in New York London and Paris. The recent partnership between Manu Parekh’s paintings and the House of Dior during Paris Haute Couture Week 2022 showed his impact beyond traditional art circles.
Awards and Legacy
People know Parekh’s work in Indian art very well. He got the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi in 1982, the Padma Shri in 1992 and many awards from the Birla Academy of Art and Culture. Books like Manu Parekh: 60 Years of Selected Works and Manu Parekh: Eternity Watches Time honor his brilliant career ‒ making his name even more respected.
Banaras: The Eternal Muse in Manu Parekh’s Art
In Manu Parekh’s paintings Banaras shines brightly ‒ especially in his ghat series. The city’s old buildings and changing skyline with river reflections gave Parekh a way to show life’s cycle of birth and death. During this time his art shows a deep link to both shapes and mystery capturing Banaras’s spirit with expressive brush strokes and bright colors. Indian miniature painting also leaves its mark adding detailed touches to his otherwise abstract shapes.
Parekh’s fascination with Banaras goes beyond what the eyes see ‒ it dives into deep thoughts showing his journey through sorrow and exploring big life questions. The city full of spiritual energy and endless change, became a key inspiration for Parekh leading to some of his most famous art pieces. His “Banaras – Eternity Watches Time” series displayed in London in 2007 stands as proof of his deep bond with this city.
The Emotional Vibrancy and Philosophical Depth of Manu Parekh’s Art
Manu Parekh’s paintings show everyday life with a mix of bright colors and deep feelings. He paints with strong passion ‒ his canvases filled with raw energy. This energy bursts through thick brushstrokes and intense colors.
After his father died Parekh became fascinated by the changing lights of Banaras especially its ghats. In his “Banaras” series, he shows the city’s timeless beauty and life’s shortness using geometric shapes and expressive strokes ‒ capturing the dancing light and color on the holy river.
Parekh finds ideas not only in Banaras but also in poetry, history and stories. His art vibrates with lively colors and clear lines ‒ melding different influences into a harmonious conversation between art and thought.
His flower series for instance, shines with thick brushwork ‒ turning simple subjects into vivid, emotional masterpieces. These paintings of flowers in various pots and settings explore nature’s power ‒ with light and shade playing key roles in the composition.
