Paresh Maity, known for his vibrant and expressive art, brought cricket and creativity together during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. As ICC’s first in-stadia artist, he captured the energy of the matches with live paintings, turning the thrill of the game into striking works of art. Invited months before the tournament, Maity painted live at five matches, blending the passion of cricket with his artistic vision.
On November 2, 2023, he sat in the stands of Wankhede Stadium, watching India’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka by 302 runs. The stadium roared with celebration, and Maity transferred that excitement onto his canvas. Immersed in the moment, he used bold strokes and vivid colors to reflect the intensity of the match. While others captured memories through photographs and videos, he preserved them through paint. He admitted that painting live in such a high-energy environment had its challenges, but he remained fully absorbed in his art, letting the game’s emotions guide his brush.
The result was a stunning 5×5 ft acrylic on canvas, later signed by both Maity and Indian captain Rohit Sharma. This masterpiece, along with 11 other paintings created during the tournament, was showcased at the exhibition “Cricket’s Greatest Canvas” at Taj, Dubai. The exhibition, which concluded this week, displayed the fusion of sports and art, offering visitors a glimpse into the World Cup through Maity’s eyes.
The event did not just feature paintings but also included photographs from the matches and a film where Maity shared his experience of painting in stadiums. He explained how each match had a distinct mood, influencing his work differently. Some games were filled with tension, others with pure joy, and his colors and brushstrokes mirrored those emotions. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a unique experience that challenged him as an artist while allowing him to bring cricket and art together on an international stage.
Maity’s ability to translate motion and emotion into his paintings has always been a defining aspect of his work. At the exhibition, cricket fans and art enthusiasts alike admired how he captured the spirit of the World Cup in a way that cameras could not. The energy of the crowds, the rush of a crucial wicket, and the thrill of a boundary were all visible in his bold compositions. The paintings became more than just depictions of cricket matches; they became stories of triumph, determination, and passion.
The exhibition in Dubai attracted a diverse audience, including cricket lovers, collectors, and cultural figures. The inclusion of Rohit Sharma’s signed artwork drew special attention, symbolizing the intersection of two powerful forms of expression—sports and art. Many visitors were amazed by how Maity’s paintings preserved the atmosphere of the matches, making them feel as though they were reliving those moments.
While Maity has painted various subjects throughout his career, this project stands out as one of the most dynamic. The unpredictability of live sports and the ever-changing atmosphere of a stadium pushed him to experiment and innovate on the spot. Unlike his usual studio settings, where he could take time to refine details, painting in the middle of a roaring crowd required him to trust his instincts and embrace spontaneity.
As the exhibition concluded, discussions emerged about the possibility of taking “Cricket’s Greatest Canvas” to other international locations. The overwhelming response in Dubai demonstrated the universal appeal of combining cricket with art. Collectors expressed interest in acquiring pieces from the collection, recognizing their uniqueness as both sports memorabilia and artistic masterpieces.
For Maity, this experience reaffirmed the idea that art has no boundaries. Whether on a cricket field or in a gallery, it can capture emotions in a way that resonates with people across different backgrounds. As he moves forward in his artistic journey, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 remains a significant chapter—one where he not only watched history unfold but also painted it into existence.
Maity’s journey as ICC’s in-stadia artist brought new dimensions to his creative process. Unlike traditional sports photography that freezes a moment in time, his paintings translated the movement, energy, and raw emotions of the game onto canvas. Each brushstroke held the tension of a crucial over or the exhilaration of a match-winning shot, making his work a true testament to the artistry of cricket.
His experience painting live in stadiums also introduced him to an entirely new audience. Cricket fans, who may not have previously engaged deeply with fine art, found themselves drawn to his dynamic compositions. Many were fascinated by how he captured the spirit of the game without using a camera, proving that sports and art could seamlessly coexist. The exhibition in Dubai further reinforced this connection, demonstrating that the impact of a great match could be felt just as powerfully through paint as it could through replayed highlights.
While speaking about his creative process, Maity described the challenge of working in an unpredictable environment. Unlike the controlled atmosphere of a studio, where he could refine and revisit his work, the stadium setting demanded immediate execution. The shifting moods of the match, the reactions of the spectators, and the rhythm of the players dictated the pace of his painting. He had to trust his instincts completely, embracing the unpredictability that came with live-action art.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, his paintings also served as a tribute to the unifying power of cricket. The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was more than just a tournament; it was a global celebration of passion and teamwork. Through his art, Maity managed to reflect the emotions of millions of fans, ensuring that their excitement and pride were immortalized on canvas. His work resonated with people who saw their own love for the game reflected in the bold strokes and vibrant colors of his paintings.
As Maity looks ahead, he hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of live art. His experience painting in the middle of a high-stakes sporting event has inspired him to explore other unconventional settings where art can capture the essence of real-time experiences. Whether through another sporting event, a cultural festival, or an immersive public installation, he remains committed to making art that is not just seen but deeply felt.