About Gurmeet Marwah
Gurmeet Marwah, born in 1984 in Delhi, is an Indian artist known for his work in printmaking and painting. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting in 2009 and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Printmaking in 2011 from the College of Art, New Delhi. Before these degrees, he studied commercial art at I.T.I PUSA, New Delhi in 2002.
Marwah's art explores both personal and societal themes through the lens of satire. He uses symbols like hearts, crowns, jars, soda bottles, donkeys, owls, and cows to critique human behavior. These symbols are often animals or everyday objects, and they serve as metaphors in his work. For instance, he might use an owl, traditionally seen as a messenger in literature, but instead of a wise owl, he paints it with a bright red heart to make it a symbol of love.
Marwah’s artworks often feature a mix of monochromatic backgrounds with pops of color, especially red, to highlight key themes. His use of red makes the central ideas in his pieces stand out more vividly. He works with various mediums including charcoal, acrylic, oil, watercolor, lithography, etching, linocut, and his favorite, woodcut. This variety allows him to create rich textures and effects in his art.
His paintings and prints are known for their sarcastic and emotionally charged expressions. The animals and objects in his work often represent deeper ideas about human behavior and society. For example, he might portray a cow as a symbol of societal waste, or a donkey as a representation of stubbornness. Marwah also uses his art to comment on how figures like Gandhi are widely used without truly embodying his values.
Gurmeet Marwah has participated in many exhibitions both in India and abroad. His work has been shown at prestigious places like the Bombay Art Society, Ravindra Bhavan, Lalit Kala Academy, and Jahangir Art Gallery. His art is also included in several collections, such as those of the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and his own College of Art.
Overall, Gurmeet Marwah’s art blends humor with deep emotional and societal commentary. His skillful use of symbolism and color, combined with his diverse techniques, allows him to create art that is both thought-provoking and visually engaging.
