Women Preparing Roti (Indian Bread)
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
Embers of Home by Mahaveer Swami offers a warm and intimate look at two women preparing roti beside a gentle hearth. The artwork captures the soft rhythm of daily cooking, shaped through quiet gestures, layered fabrics and the glow of rising heat. Their poised movements and subtle expressions bring a sense of calm focus to the scene, turning a simple task into a moment of shared presence.
Created on layered handmade paper, the work uses natural pigments and pure gold ink to build soft light, refined contours and delicate warmth. Swami’s miniature detailing remains precise yet tender, reflecting the beauty of everyday rituals that sustain both body and companionship.
Why This Artwork Stands Out:
- A graceful depiction of cooking as a shared ritual
- Gentle textures created through natural pigments and gold ink
- Warm tonal harmony that feels grounded and comforting
- Ideal for collectors who appreciate quiet domestic storytelling through traditional miniature craft
What does Embers of Home depict?
Which materials did Mahaveer Swami use for Embers of Home?
What makes this artwork special?
Where does Embers of Home look best when 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.