The Wonder Journal

Vadodara-based artist Utkarsh Makwana’s works navigate through the tropes of philosophy as well as comedy and touch upon the wonder one derives from the mundane. Alluding to historical and mythological references, his visual interpretations are arresting, owing to his choice of colours and well-thoughtout compositions. A constant feature in his works are varied geometrical patterns which stem out like a maze, knitting his imageries together. There are references obtained from patterns like the Sacred Geometry, the Fibonacci sequence and many other shapes. With this body of work, Makwana invites the viewer to write their own narratives in his personal wonder journal.

- Bhumika Popli

Utkarsh Makwana is on a quest to translate everything from his mind to the paper. His paintings often come across as a note-taking journal, where interesting anecdotes are jotted down to form a distinct narrative.

Through his paintings, he questions the everyday realities he comes across. His artworks navigate through philosophy, comedy and also touch upon the wonder one gets from the mundane. 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. Blue, a dominant background shade, relates his works to a parallel infinite space. It gives the impression of being suspended in a boundless sea or sky. Symbolically it is artists’ reference to blue prints used in architecture, from where his structures emerge.

Many myths and fables, folklore and traditions, along with stories from the contemporary settings define Makwana’s creative spirit. The artist gives utmost importance to his research. It appears as if Makwana has given up on rigidity in his thoughts before he sets out to create.

There are events and characters from everywhere. Incidences from news, mythology and folklore are regular features. Botanical illustrations, science fiction and found photographs also feature in his art. Rumours and hearsay give a playful layering to the paintings. “I am trying to create a detailed paracosm, a world where fact and fiction come together,” says the artist while talking about his work.