The Man Behind the Art: ICC World Cup 2023 LIVE Coverage

The exhibition features renowned artist Paresh Maity’s live-action paintings of five pivotal matches from the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup, where his brush captured the unfolding drama and passion of the games in real time. Adding to their historical significance, the winning captains personally signed the live canvases, elevating these artworks to vivid visual treasures and cherished memorabilia.

Celebrating the intersection of sport and creativity, Dubai is hosting a unique art exhibition titled Cricket’s Greatest Canvas; it marks the first solo exhibition in Dubai for renowned artist Paresh Maity, capturing the passion and spirit of cricket through his masterful works. Presented by Art be a Part, in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Gameplan, the exhibition showcases 12 original works inspired by the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup. The exhibition opens on January 16  for the viewers and will run until 1 March 2025 at Taj Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai.

It features Maity’s live-action paintings of five pivotal matches from the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup, where his brush captured the unfolding drama and passion of the games in real-time. Each tournament venue is immortalized in his works, with the final match, rich in a kaleidoscope of emotions, forming the centerpiece of this extraordinary collection. Adding to their historical significance, the winning captains personally signed the live canvases, elevating these artworks to vivid visual treasures and cherished memorabilia. This collection of artworks is characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, with each piece echoing the exuberance and intensity of cricket. From thrilling victories to heartfelt defeats, Maity’s work chronicles the emotional highs and lows of the game, seamlessly blending the energy of sport with the beauty of art.

Paresh Maity, born in Tamluk near Kolkata in 1965, is a celebrated artist renowned for his mastery of diverse mediums, including watercolor, oil, acrylic painting, sculpture, and photography. Over nearly four decades, he has held 88 solo exhibitions and significantly contributed to the global art scene. His works are in prestigious collections, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, the British Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Maity has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri from the Government of India and a Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree from Sir Padampat Singhania University. Notably, in 2010, he created one of the world’s longest murals for Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

Maity said, “Cricket is not just a sport; it is a celebration of life and unity. Painting the World Cup was an unforgettable experience, where every brushstroke captured the game's energy, joy, and emotion. This exhibition is my tribute to the moments that brought people together and to the unyielding spirit of cricket.”

Excerpts from an interaction with the artist.

What inspired you to blend this sport with your distinctive artistic style?

Cricket has always inspired me; this sport's unity, spirit, and energy inspired me to bridge the gap between art and sport. Previously, I have blended music and art many times, collaborating with artists such as Amjad Ali Khan and painting with music in the backdrop of Goa's landscape, among other initiatives. This unique series of paintings was born out of my regard for cricket as a sport, and the energy of unity that it harbors really blended with my artistic style.

Can you walk us through your creative process when painting such fast-paced, real-time moments? What challenges did you face in capturing the energy of the games? 

It is indeed a challenge to recreate the game's energy in one canvas within a short time. When you capture the essence, spirit, energy, unity, and excitement of the game in real-time moments, it is a thrilling experience. I have been painting outside for more than four decades, capturing the energies of Venice, Benaras, France, or any place I travel to. When I start painting, I get completely immersed in my art. I don't know who is next to me, and the painting process is like my meditation. Capturing these live matches was also like that; I became oblivious to the surroundings and was engrossed in my art. The challenge of capturing so much life was difficult, but it was also a thrilling and unique experience as I could feel the energy of the sport around me.

How did your experience of watching the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup impact your approach to these paintings? Were there any specific moments that particularly stood out to you?

Cricket is a very challenging and exciting game with nearly millions of viewers. When you are in the moment, capturing crucial moments of the game, like someone hitting a sixer or someone getting out, it is a very unique experience. There aren't any specific moments per se, but the whole experience was exhilarating and challenging at the same time.

Can you tell us more about the significance of the signed canvases by the winning captains? How did this element elevate the meaning of the artwork for you?  

This whole event was a one-of-a-kind, lifetime experience to capture the 2023 World Cup in India. It was like capturing a moment of unity and togetherness fueled by emotion. It was extraordinary when the winning captains came to sign the canvases; it was a rare occurrence in art and sports. For me, it was a true union of my art with the dynamic world of sports and, thus, was very special to witness.

The final match features a kaleidoscope of emotions – what was the emotional connection you felt while working on this piece, and how did it differ from the others?  

Indeed, the final match is always the most emotional, full of anticipation, excitement, and tension. The painting I created during the World Cup finale was the best one. My mind was full of emotion; there was crying and frustration, but I felt I could capture the moment, a unique and memorable experience.

With its energy and flow, how is cricket an ideal subject for your art?  

My first cricket experience was in 1983 when the World Cup happened, and India was winning under the captainship of Kapil Dev. I remember we had this small television in my native village of Tamluk. We were all gathered at that moment; the emotional feeling and joy of winning the World Cup were immense. I admired Kapil Dev and have always wanted to do something with cricket and art. 

How do you think the combination of sports and art enhances the game's narrative for the viewer? 

Combining art and cricket creates a new narrative, bridging the gap between sports and art. Witnessing how two distinct concepts come together: their broad histories and energies is exciting. They all combine to create a fantastic new idea that intrigues the viewer and heightens their excitement.

As a Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed artist, you've had a long and varied career. What about cricket made you want to dedicate this exhibition to the sport?  

I have always believed that artists should not have any barriers and should transform anything and everything into a piece of art. As a young student, I was always fascinated by capturing the force and the movement of animals, especially horses. Cricket has a similar quality — especially the force and raw energy behind the game. That has inspired me to dedicate this exhibition to cricket.

What do you hope viewers will take away from this exhibition? 

I hope the viewers enjoy this exhibition, as it brings a new dimension to my art. People who come to my exhibitions already have a preconceived notion about my work. While they appreciate and enjoy my art, this exhibition completely differs from my usual oeuvre. Cricket is perceived as a sport and a religion in India. I hope the viewers will enjoy the different themes, emotions, and actions I have captured in this work and feel that the spirit of cricket is rooted in unity and passion.

Why did you collaborate with Art Be A Part to bring this exhibition to Dubai?

ICC and Gameplan collaborated with me; as you know, the ICC is headquartered in Dubai. I wanted everyone to enjoy this exhibition, which will be on view for over a month to reach a wider audience. Many places were available, but the dates were not available. When I learned about Art Be a Part, its social work and philanthropic initiatives immediately took me. My vision as an individual aligned with their vision, and I was convinced that this collaboration was meant to be. I wish them all the best for the exhibition, and I hope everyone enjoys the series.

Presented by Art be a Part, in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Gameplan, the exhibition showcases 12 original works inspired by the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup. The exhibition opens on January 16  for the viewers and will run until 1 March 2025 at Taj Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai.