BANGALORE : An artist inspired by the serenity of Buddha will display a collection of paintings at The Conversation, a home decor boutique in Indirangar, from Friday to Sunday.
Umar Faruk, a graduate from Ken School of Art, Seshadripuram, does acrylic painting on canvas and specialises in line drawing and water colours. He grew up seeing his grandfather paint and it inspired him to a great extent. He later learnt to wield the brush under the tutelage of JMS Mani. His break as an artist, however, didn't come easy.
"I worked as a sari designer on Avenue Road for two years, and then I painted bilboards for two more. I did all that to pay for my education. I started painting professionally in 2002," he says. Faruk's paintings of the Tsunami that hit our shores in 2004 were widely appreciated and sold.
Over the past four years, the artist has taken a fascination to Buddha and has been painting his inspiration. In this collection, Faruk uses water colours and poster colours to reflect the different moods of his muse. Faruk developed a liking for the Buddha during his days at Kannada University, Hampi. He has managed to translate the teachings of the saint in the soulful eyes, the innocent smile and peaceful face.
"I love the peaceful, innocent and serene look on Buddha’s face and looking at it gives me great joy. I feel everybody should have a Buddha in their house, either as a sculpture or painting," he says.
“We are delighted to showcase Faruk’s work. This young artist’s paintings portray stories of rich tradition and history, and yet are equipped with the subtlety to fit into a contemporary home,” says Amit Sarin, chief curator at The Conversation.
All of Faruk's paintings will be on sale at the venue, and the prices start from `1,990.