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Fawad Tamkanat
Contemporary Artist
About Artist
Fawad Tamkanat: A Visionary Contemporary Artist
Fawad Tamkanat is a distinguished contemporary artist known for his evolving creative journey. Mentored by Laxma Goud at the University of Hyderabad, Fawad’s art is deeply influenced by his literary heritage and personal experiences. His work, which explores themes of time and existence, avoids political commentary, instead focusing on universal human concerns. A chance encounter with a rickshaw driver inspired a pivotal series, marking a key moment in his career. Over time, Fawad has transitioned between various mediums, from monochromatic prints to acrylics and tarpaulin, reflecting his constant drive to innovate and redefine contemporary Indian art.
Fawad Tamkanat is one of India’s most exceptional contemporary artists, renowned for his innovative approach and evolving artistic journey. His early education at the University of Hyderabad under the strict mentorship of Laxma Goud shaped his dedication to creating impactful art. Inspired by his literary background, with his father being the renowned Urdu poet Shaz Tamkanat, Fawad’s work explores themes of time, existence, and the human experience, avoiding overt political or societal commentary. A chance encounter with a rickshaw driver led to a significant series of paintings, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Throughout his work, Fawad has seamlessly transitioned across various mediums, from monochromatic prints to acrylics, watercolors, and even unconventional materials, reflecting his ongoing drive to innovate and push the boundaries of contemporary Indian art.
"I paint where I live. We all get busy with our individual lives and miss out on what is around us. My art is an attempt to bring those overlooked moments to light." <br><br> Walking through the streets of Hyderabad, Fawad immerses himself in the lives of everyday people: the rickshawallah, the fakirs, and countless others whose stories often go unnoticed.
In 1989, Fawad enrolled in the inaugural batch at the University of Hyderabad’s SN School of Arts and Communication, where he was mentored by the renowned artist Laxma Goud. Known for his strictness, Goud often clashed with Fawad’s inquisitive nature, telling him, "You talk too much." Yet, Goud’s discipline drove Fawad to push his limits, often working late into the night to meet the high standards set before him. <br<br> Coming from a family with deep artistic roots—his father being the celebrated Urdu poet Shaz Tamkanat—Fawad quickly tapped into his own creative inclinations, encouraged by his father to pursue his passion. Reflecting on those formative years, Fawad views them as a time of pure dedication, untainted by commercial pressures. <br<br> Throughout his career, he has cultivated a distinct visual language that avoids overt political or societal commentary, instead focusing on themes of time and the search for one's place in the world.
“I am hugely drawn to these charming towns that have their own quaint characters. The environment, the people and their cultures move me to paint the silent grace that is embedded in such spaces.” <br><br> Fawad’s cityscapes are more than visual documentation; they are deeply personal narratives woven from memory. His paintings combine the essence of these towns, reimagining their spirit and charm through his distinctive artistic language. They are an amalgamation of stories, memories and impressions from his travels.
A chance encounter with a rickshaw driver in Hyderabad changed the course of Fawad’s work. Struck by the man’s intriguing presence, Fawad photographed him, leading to a series of 8–10 acrylic paintings that honored the rickshaw driver as his muse. This encounter became the foundation of a transformative period in Fawad’s career, as he explored new artistic dimensions. <br><br> Fawad believes in the evolution of art, shifting his focus every 4–5 years to reflect personal and creative growth. Starting with monochromatic prints, his work has evolved to incorporate a variety of mediums, from watercolors and acrylics to etching and tarpaulin, showcasing his continuous innovation and artistic exploration.
For Fawad Tamkanat, the road to success has been marked by both challenges and opportunities. From the beginning, he believed that honesty and dedication to one’s craft were the keys to a fulfilling artistic journey. <br<br> This determination paid off, as Fawad’s work is now celebrated globally. With over 100 solo shows, his art is part of prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, where his black-and-white dry points and etchings have earned critical acclaim.
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