On January 15th, 2025, the Taj Dubai, Business Bay, hosted a unique and exciting event — the Cricket’s Greatest Canvas exhibition. This collaboration between Art Be a Part, the ICC Men’s World Cup, and renowned Indian artist Paresh Maity brought together the world of cricket and the world of art in a way never seen before. The exhibition featured live paintings created during cricket matches, capturing the dynamic energy of the games on canvas in real-time. It was a one-of-a-kind experience, offering art lovers and cricket fans alike a chance to see the sport through an entirely new lens.
Medha Nanda, the founder of Art Be a Part, was at the forefront of this innovative project. In an interview held at the event, she shared her excitement and pride about hosting the exhibition in Dubai. “We’re so pleased to bring Paresh Maity to Dubai for his first exhibition here,” she said. “What makes Cricket’s Greatest Canvas so special is that it’s the first time live cricket moments have been captured on canvas during actual matches. We even have photos showing Paresh painting as the games were happening.”
Medha explained that the idea for the exhibition stemmed from a collaboration between Gameplan and the ICC. “Gameplan and the ICC reached out to Paresh to create these paintings, and we’re thrilled to be hosting this collaboration in Dubai,” she said.
Medha also reflected on the experience of working with Paresh Maity, an artist known for his generosity and skill. “Paresh is not only an incredible artist but also a very kind and giving person. He donated one of his paintings for our gala, which raises money for children with special needs in India,” she shared. “That piece ended up being the highest-selling artwork at the event.”
When asked about her favorite painting from the exhibition, Medha pointed to The Victory March. “It’s my favorite because it beautifully captures the emotion and spirit of India. The feeling that comes through in that painting is really powerful,” she said.
Paresh Maity, whose paintings formed the heart of the exhibition, shared his thoughts on the project. “Cricket has so much passion and energy, and it all happens in such a short span of time,” he said. “When I was asked to capture the 2023 World Cup for the ICC and Gameplan, I was excited. Over the past 50 years, I’ve painted live in various locations around the world — from the Ghats of Varanasi to Venice, Japan, and Mexico. Painting live during a match felt like a natural extension of that.”
Paresh went on to describe the unique challenge of painting in front of such a large audience. “It was definitely different. I’ve painted in iconic places before, but painting live during a match, with millions watching, added an entirely new dimension. The energy from the crowd was inspiring.”
When asked about the most challenging match to paint, Paresh pointed to two memorable moments. “The Mumbai match was tricky because the stadium was smaller, so space was tight. But the enthusiasm of the crowd was overwhelming and made it a rewarding experience,” he recalled.
He also spoke about the final match in Ahmedabad between India and Australia, describing it as a particularly intense experience. “That was a huge challenge — the energy, the emotions, the excitement of the game. I managed to finish the painting before the match ended, which was a proud moment for me.”
With over five decades of experience, Paresh reflected on the evolution of his art. “Art is always changing, always evolving,” he explained. “Over the years, I’ve explored many different mediums and styles, and it’s been a journey of growth and experimentation. It’s always exciting to try something new.”
When asked if he had a favorite piece from the exhibition, Paresh smiled. “It’s hard to choose a favorite. Every painting has its own significance and emotion, but this series holds a special place in my heart because it’s the first time I’ve captured cricket in such a way.”
Paresh also shared his hopes for the exhibition. “I want people to see cricket in a new way through these paintings. Art is universal, and my aim is to evoke the same energy and passion that cricket brings to its fans.”
Cricket’s Greatest Canvas wasn’t just about showcasing artwork — it was about blending the passion of cricket with the beauty of art in a way that resonated with both fans and collectors. Paresh Maity’s live paintings offered a unique glimpse into the energy and emotions of the World Cup, making this exhibition an unforgettable experience for all who attended. With the combination of art and sport, Cricket’s Greatest Canvas became a celebration of both.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]