Fawad Tamkanat

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.

Fawad Tamkanat

Contemporary Artist

About Artist

Fawad Tamkanat, an esteemed artist from Hyderabad, India, shines as a versatile and accomplished creator. With a gold medal in both BFA and MFA, he continually reinvents his artistry. His latest series pays homage to the charming towns of India, the Netherlands, Paris, and the Middle East, inspired by their unique character, environment, and cultures. Fawad's paintings reflect personal tales drawn from cherished memories, all depicted in his distinctive style. What distinguishes Fawad is his ever-evolving approach. He embraces various themes, from black and white compositions to celebrating women and capturing Hyderabad's essence. While he excels in multiple mediums, acrylic is his favorite, allowing him to craft intricate and lifelike scenes. Fawad's art has gained international recognition and appreciation, reflecting his meticulous craftsmanship and passion. He has participated in numerous exhibitions, including his 100th international show at the Miami Art Show in 2015. Fawad Tamkanat invites us to explore the enchanting grace of towns through his perceptive eyes and masterful strokes, establishing himself as a prominent figure in global artistry.

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.

A Glimpse into One of the Most Exceptional Contemporary Artists of India

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.

A Journey of Artistic Dedication and Self-Discovery

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 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 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.

Cityscapes

“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.” 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.

Fawad’s Creative Transformation

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. 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.

Critical Acclaim

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 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.