Paresh Maity's Art Shines on the Cannes Red Carpet

Celebrating Indian Heritage Through Fashion

Paresh Maity, a celebrated artist and Padma Shri awardee, is known for showcasing his artistic flair not just through his paintings but also in his fashion choices. Those familiar with his work often notice him wearing designs that reflect his vibrant watercolor art, whether it's on his bandgalas or the colorful scarves he sports. Recently, at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, influencer Shalini Passi captivated audiences in a gown designed by Manish Malhotra, which featured Maity's artwork. The gown's fish-cut silhouette prominently displayed his latest piece, 'Longitude 77.'

This painting, which highlights India's rich cultural heritage along the 77°E meridian, was unveiled at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes, marking a significant achievement for Maity. He views Cannes as the pinnacle of film festivals, akin to the Olympics, and this event represents yet another milestone in his artistic journey. The inspiration for his work spans from the 'blue mountains of the Himalayas to the blue sea of Kanyakumari,' encapsulating the diverse tapestry of Indian art, culture, and spirituality.

Creating a visual representation of India's longitudinal stretch of approximately 2,933 kilometers within a compact painting of one-and-a-half feet square is no small feat. Yet, Maity's brushwork brings to life the beauty of India, starting from the snow-capped Himalayas and culminating at the Indian Ocean, with stops at iconic locations like the Dal Lake in Kashmir. His artwork also features elements from various states, such as the traditional phulkari of Punjab and the drums of Haryana, showcasing India's cultural richness. While the tiger symbolizes Madhya Pradesh, the architectural marvels of Hampi and the Mysore Palace represent the South, with Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram temple and Kerala's coconut trees also included. Interestingly, Maity's birthplace of Tamluk in West Bengal is absent from this longitude, as it does not fall along the 77°E line.

Maity's artistic journey began with crafting clay models of deities, and over time, he has explored various mediums. Renowned for his expertise in watercolors, he has also ventured into photography, installation art, and filmmaking. The red carpet at Cannes is a new frontier for him. When Manish Malhotra proposed the idea of a special edition gown featuring his artwork, Maity readily agreed, expressing satisfaction with the designer's interpretation of his vision. He shared on Instagram, 'Manish turned my vision into couture,' highlighting the fusion of art and fashion that shone brightly at the event.

Maity believes that Indian art is vibrant, dynamic, and gaining international recognition. He emphasizes that India's diversity makes it more than just a country; it is a continent in its own right. He asserts that art should not be limited to traditional forms, as there are 64 recognized art forms, and fashion is an integral part of this spectrum. Speaking from Paris, the heart of the art world, he mentioned, 'I am busy with my projects, including several public art installations in the works.' Maity continues to surprise with his innovative choices in both medium and inspiration, proving that he can always bring a fresh perspective to art.