Q+A with Paresh Maity | A fine balance

Q. What is your sculpture 'Equilibrium', on display in Venice currently, all about?

My sculpture, ‘Equilibrium’, presented by Art Alive Gallery at Marinaressa Gardens, Venice, Italy explores the idea of balance as the fundamental force that sustains life and the universe. Through a strong geometric and monumental form, the sculpture reflects the delicate relationship between di?erent energies. It is an expression of harmony, a reminder that existence itself depends on a constant search for balance. The work is deeply inspired by nature, which I believe is the ultimate teacher of equilibrium in every aspect of life.

Q. It is similar to the artwork you displayed at Venice last time. Are they part of a series or maybe the same thought process?

Yes. At the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024, I presented a sculpture titled ‘Genesis’, which emerged from a similar line of thought. Both works share a common conceptual foundation and are rooted in my exploration of form, balance and the forces that shape existence. While ‘Genesis’ and ‘Equilibrium’ have a strong geometric presence, they are distinct manifestations of my creative journey. I often describe the relationship between them as a process of transformation. The essence remains the same, but each stage evolves into a new form. In that sense, ‘Equilibrium’ is a transformation of my imagination, ideas and artistic language.

Q. What informs your artistic practice?

Nature is my greatest inspiration. It informs everything I do as an artist. I believe that nature is present in every aspect of life and the closer we are to it, the richer our understanding of the world becomes. As Aristotle said, art is an imitation of nature and I truly believe there is nothing we can imagine that exists beyond it. My artistic practice is influenced by nature, human civilisation, growth, transformation and the evolving story of mankind. Through my paintings and sculptures, I seek to explore what sustains the universe, what constitutes truth and what gives life its beauty and meaning. These ideas of balance, harmony and aesthetics remain central to my work. Ultimately, I hope my art brings joy, optimism and a sense of wonder to those who encounter it. To me, that is one of the most important purposes of art, to enrich life and create meaningful connections with people.

Q. You have done the public art for the Noida International Airport as well. Tell us a bit about some of the major pieces there.

Yes, for the newly inaugurated Noida International Airport at Jewar, I created two major public artworks. The first is ‘Jagriti’ (Awakening), an 8 x 100-foot painting inspired by the ancient Indian concept of Sadanga, or the six limbs of art. Comprising six interconnected panels, the work is set in the early hours of the morning, symbolising awakening, renewal and new beginnings. Through light, colour and movement, it seeks to evoke optimism, joy and a sense of possibility for travellers embarking on their journeys. The second work is ‘Mystic Abode’, a large-scale immersive installation comprising over 8,500 brass bells. The installation is designed as an interactive experience where visitors can enter the structure, engage with its visual and acoustic qualities, and experience a sense of wonder, reflection and positivity. Together, these artworks aim to create moments of inspiration and discovery within the airport environment.

Q. Indian art has achieved record sales figures in recent times. Has the art world been reduced to a numbers game?

Art is always for art’s sake. Throughout centuries, art has retained its own place and significance. It is one of the strongest vocabularies of human civilisation and an integral part of our cultural heritage, so it can never be reduced to a mere numbers game. Having said that, investment in art has grown significantly in recent years, which is a positive development for the art field that was neglected for a long time. Yet, beyond the market, the creative process and the act of making art remain as strong as ever. I am very optimistic about the future and I believe Indian art will continue to gain greater recognition and visibility on the global stage.

Q. What other major artwork or series are you working on right now?

I am currently working on several major projects. One of them is an 8 x 100-foot painting inspired by Varanasi, a city I have been visiting for over four decades. To me, Varanasi is not merely a historical city, it is a living universe that has existed for more than 5,000 years. Through this work, I am exploring the rhythm of the city across 24 hours, from dawn to noon, twilight and night and how its timeless spirit continues to shape our understanding of life. The work is expected to be presented in an open-air exhibition in Delhi later this year. I am also working on a large-scale, 40-foot painting of Dal Lake in Kashmir. Over the years, I have been deeply captivated by its beauty and this work seeks to capture its atmosphere and changing moods through an impressionistic visual language. Alongside these paintings, I am developing several major public sculptures and installations, continuing my ongoing engagement with large-scale works in public spaces.