Utkarsh Makwana, born in 1989, holds a Master’s Degree in Visual Arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Through his paintings, Makwana questions the everyday realities he comes across. The artist draws inspiration from miniature traditions creating multifaceted layered narratives through his paintings. His prime concern is the depiction of a story in each work, like a traveller documenting his journey in an imaginary world. One can also find historical and mythological references in his works.
Makwana’s visual interpretations are arresting due to his choice of colours and well-thought-out compositions. The Vadodara-based artist uses his skill to lead the viewer to behold fabulous territories that they would often miss and encourages them to frame their narratives within his art. His artworks navigate through philosophy and comedy while also touching upon the wonder one gets from the mundane. His work then becomes the point of interaction between the ordinary and the invented realms for the viewers.
Represented by Akara, Utkarsha Makwana has had two solo exhibitions with the gallery- ‘Yes, Blue! But Which Blue - Utkarsh Makwana’, 2023 and ‘The Wonder Journal’, 2019. His group shows include ‘Let Me Tell You A Story… Part II’, Curated by Luiza Teixeira De Freitas, Akara Contemporary, 2023 and ‘The First Contemporaries’, 2022. He has also been part of India Art Fair (Delhi) 2018 – 2024 and Art Dubai 2024.
He is a recipient of the prestigious Nasreen Mohamedi Scholarship Award (2012).