Alexander Kanevsky's "India" 2006. Oil on Canvas. 244 x 366 cm

The Indians are very rich from heart. They even love animals from their heart. They are very friendly in nature and they have place for everybody in their heart. These are the views of the famous American painter Mr. Alexander Kanevsky, who had gone to India to make a painting with the central theme of Indian lifestyle and way of living.

With the help of an interpreter, Mr. Kanevsky said that he started painting at the age of three when he was growing in Moscow city in Russia. He grew up as a painter. His paintings were appreciated only among his close friends and family members, but not by a greater audience. Also, he could not sell his paintings, as the government did not give permission to do that; the government used to suppress the artists. So, as a result he could not get money for his livelihood. He went to medical school and then he got highest degree in medical sciences. However, because of his interest in painting he has to leave his country. Mr. Kanevsky said, ‘I came to America. I started living nearby New York, in a city called New Haven. In New Haven, my God gifted painting talent was unfolded and exhibited under the open sky, and thus got international recognition.’

Mr. Kanevsky says that he has made films on Africa and India depicting their culture and also on their wildlife, such as lions and tigers, for the Discovery Channel.

Alexander Kanevsky on Elephant Safari

He further says that he had very wrong opinion about India back in Russia; but he completely changed his thinking after he came to India. He says that India is very beautiful with a vibrant culture, and there is nothing in there which is fake or showy, everything is real. People in India live in the lap of nature. They have sound faith in God. Mr. Kanevsky saw 75 feet idol of God Shiva in Delhi, and many other attractive places, such as Tajmahal in Agra and historical attractions in Jaipur, Rajsthan.

Mr. Kanevsky goes on saying that no doubt America has a very high standard of living, however, but almost nothing in respect of culture. Quite contrary to this, India has a sound culture. The people of India have preserved many gifted values, and if they go on doing so, then coming tomorrow will be in India’s favor. People of India have brotherly feeling for everybody and are compassionate. Because of these, India is unique in the world.

Mr. Kanevsky wants to make paintings of Gods and Goddesses, such as God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, God Krisna and Goddess Radha, God Visnu, and God Ganesha, and will include in this drawing, the moghul kings of the past, and also, include, elephants, camels, and horses. Mr. Kanevsky wants to exhibit his paintings in various places in India, like he has done around the world, and he wants to meet with Indian artists, so that he can better understand the Indian art and culture.

-Translation of the original article published in Hindu in the “Hindustan Times” on 14th November, 2004.