Stalk in the Quiet Hills
Mahaveer Swami
Mahaveer Swami, born in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India, in 1959, is a highly accomplished artist. He began his artistic journey with home training before pursuing a Diploma in Painting & Sculpture at the Rajasthan School of Art in Jaipur. Mahaveer Swami's artistic themes frequently encompass asceticism, the everyday experiences of Indian women, and Hindu mythology, all influenced by Mughal and Rajasthani miniature traditions. With a strong interest in botany, he has produced remarkable miniature paintings with botanical themes. He has also collaborated with several prominent botanical societies, including the American, Korean, and Indian Botanical Societies. His art has gained international recognition through exhibitions at prestigious galleries in various Indian cities and abroad. He honed his skills in traditional painting under the tutelage of his mentor, the late Shri Vedpal Sharma "Bannu." Swami's work has been extensively exhibited, with over 60 galleries in India, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, showcasing his art. Internationally, his reach extends to Paris, Brussels, Jerusalem, Washington DC, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Spain and Australia. Beyond exhibitions, Mahaveer Swami is dedicated to sharing his expertise. He has conducted workshops and training programs across India and globally, in locations such as Paris, Cairo, Jerusalem, Dubai, Bhutan, Algeria, Taiwan, Belgium, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Pittsburgh and Washington, DC. His artistic prowess has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Master Craftsman Award (National Award). His art is held in the collections of over 17 museums and galleries worldwide, including institutions in Jerusalem, Berlin, Pittsburgh, New York, Paris, Belgium and Algeria. Mahaveer Swami's contributions to the art world are also documented in various books, magazines, and online blogs. His artwork is part of the permanent collections at esteemed institutions such as the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the Museum Of Sacred Art in Durbuy, Belgium, the Cultural International Festival of Miniature & Illumination in Tlemcen, Algeria and the One Asia Project in Auroville, Pondicherry. His career exemplifies dedication and mastery, creating art that resonates across borders and cultures.
Description
Stalk in the Quiet Hills shows a moment where stillness and alertness meet in perfect balance. Mahaveer Swami paints the cheetah low to the ground, its body curved in a patient crouch, ready to move yet held in complete control. The soft stippling along the fur gives the animal a gentle texture that contrasts with the smooth slopes of the surrounding landscape. Across the rocky rise, the mountain goat lowers its head as it steps carefully down the incline, unaware of the watcher beyond the tall stone formation.
The backdrop is filled with pale hills and delicate foliage that create a calm, open atmosphere. Three birds glide through the sky, adding lift and movement to the otherwise quiet scene. The natural black ink on old handmade paper gives the artwork a classic, archival clarity that highlights every curve of muscle, rock and branch.
It is a composition shaped by silence, contrast and patient storytelling.
Why This Artwork Stands Out:
- A thoughtful study of tension between predator and prey
- Fine ink detailing brings texture to both the animals and the landscape
- Soft hills and light foliage create a spacious, balanced setting
- Ideal for collectors who appreciate narrative miniature art with calm, natural focus
What makes Stalk in the Quiet Hills special?
How does Mahaveer Swami create contrast in this scene?
Is this artwork suitable for modern interiors?
How should this artwork be displayed?
Mahaveer Swami
Bikaner Miniature Artist || Botanical Storyteller || Guardian of Sacred Themes
Unique Practice
He uses "pardaash" (black ink for 3D) and Sone ki syahi (golden effect), characteristic of Bikaner-style painting.