Gandhiji on canvas

While most artists depict Gandhiji in plain, monotonous colours, artist Gurmeet Marwah paints the icon in a quirky manner, using sharp, bright colours. Despite the stark colours,  his work conveys the simplicity of Gandhiji’s life. Indeed, Gurmeet believes there’s much to learn from Gandhiji, and talks about how greatly he’s been influenced by Gandhiji’s teachings.

“Gandhiji’s values and teachings were not limited to India’s freedom struggle alone. He believed everyone had to not only fight the evil within every day, but also come out of it victorious. He talked about the power of love and non-violence and wanted that to be a part of each of our lives,” shares the Delhi-based artist as he talks about his inspiration.

The colours of peace

And Gurmeet’s work clearly reflects his admiration for Gandhi. In his paintings, Gandhiji, who donned simple khadi clothes, is shown sporting a white shirt with small red hearts all over it. In one of the paintings titled “Peace Finder”, Gandhiji is seen holding a metal detector, looking for peace amidst bombs. In another, titled “Nail Cutter”, Gandhiji is seen cutting nails with a grass cutter and spreading love as one of his monkeys follows him.

Artist Gurmeet Marwah paints the icon in a quirky manner.

Talking about why he chose Gandhiji as his subject, Gurmeet adds, “When the British ruled us, we had one enemy, whom we fought against collectively. But today, we fight among ourselves. I think, now more than ever, we need Gandhiji and his ideologies and believe that if we inculcate even just a few values of the Mahatma, we’d all lead better lives.”

Gurmeet Marwah

Seeking within

But given Gandhiji preached peace all his life, why is the show called “Peace Is a Myth”, we ask Gurmeet. “Because it is a myth, quips Gurmeet, adding, “I see so many people trying to find peace outside. They go to temples and gurudwaras and yet find nothing. I feel peace, like happiness, should come from within. It should be a part of a person’s character. Only if we can make peace with the chaos within can we experience the bliss.”

I first witnessed the work of Gurmeet Marwah in Delhi and instantly liked it. We wanted to do something for the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. For me, Mahatma Gandhi was leading the freedom movement from the front, and thus, for me, he represents all those who laid down their lives for the nation
— Supraja Rao, Director, Rajeshwar Rao Art Gallery

Rajeshwar Rao Art Gallery is showcasing the works of artist Gurmeet Marwah titled “Peace Is a Myth”.

Talking about the Gallery, Supraja Rao, director, art gallery, says, “Art has been an integral part of design. And I am excited to share that now art curation is a significant part of my design practice. Many people hesitate to invest in art because they don’t know much about it. So, my idea is to bring art that people will love and take home. Another thing I want to work on in this gallery is to take art to the kids. So too, on the opening of the gallery, we had invited kids to come to the gallery and showed them some piece of art.”