Exploring the Inner Beauty of Beggars through Portrait Paintings
In India, how do you approach beggars? I paint them, capture their essence through my portraits, revealing the honesty, tragic truth and inner beauty. A few years ago, I created this page featuring portraits of beggars in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Now, I am expanding it to include portraits of Indian beggars. As an artist, I am fascinated by them, as I seek to capture their faces in painting.
When I encounter beggars, I feel compelled to help them in some way. In India, I fed them all, despite being cautioned by a brahmana against giving charity. He believed that it could create new karmic relationships, but I couldn't bear to see anyone go hungry.
To the brahmana, I say, "Keep your money, Brahmin! I hope you have enough for a ticket to nirvana when death comes." As long as I have something to eat, I will continue to feed the hungry. I have a compassionate heart towards those in need, regardless of cultural norms or beliefs. My portrait paintings of beggars are a testament to the beauty and dignity of all people.
Indian Beggar 35, Art Canvas Print 120 x 90 cm
The Unspoken Narratives: 'Beggar 35 Portrait' Unveils a Life Unadorned
The "Beggar 35 Portrait" is a poignant representation of life on the margins, a digital canvas that tells a story of struggle and survival. The subject of the painting is a man with eyes that reflect a hard-lived life, etched with the kind of depth that only suffering can inscribe. His gaze is direct and challenging, meeting the viewer's eyes with an unsettling mixture of defiance and resignation.
The textures and colors of the painting add to the visceral impact of the portrait. The roughness of his skin, the untamed hair, and the threadbare clothes speak to the daily reality of life on the streets. This is more than a portrait; it's a narrative wrought in the strokes of digital brushes, an invitation to witness and reflect on the often ignored stories of those who beg to survive.
India, everywhere poverty squeaks with all its beaks. How ready are you to be happy?
How do you deal with beggars in India? I feed them, talk to - and paint them.
Reflecting on Contrasts: Beggars and Sadhus
Compare, if you are encouraged, pages of Beggars and Sadhus. Both of them have nothing, but the nothing can be very different.
Nothing of beggar is a misery. Nothing of Sadhu is on the verge of infinity.
I try to paint beggar who has cut off hands. Maybe his parents did it in preparation for the profession: cripple inspires more pity, has a chance for more donations. I do not trust reality of the world in which I live. It's just a terrible dream from which one needs to wake up.
They have clear attitude to life. They know the law of karma: no one would think of to complain about his fate. They believe that their current suffering will bring a significant improvement in living conditions in the next incarnation.
Indian Beggar, Art Canvas Print 90 x 120 cm
A Smile That Speaks: The Paradox of Joy in 'Beggar' Portrait
The image captures the essence of a beggar whose visage shines with a kind of inner peace that seems at odds with his likely harsh circumstances. The painting is a vibrant mix of colors that frame his face, while his eyes sparkle with vivacity and his smile exudes warmth. His hands are clasped in a gesture of plea or perhaps gratitude, a powerful reminder of the humanity we share, regardless of our social standing.
This portrait goes beyond the mere representation of poverty; it encapsulates a moment of connection, an exchange of humanity that transcends the need for words. It is an evocative piece that prompts introspection about the countless untold stories and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Indian Beggar 21, Art Canvas Print 120 x 80 cm
Lines of Life: The Unspoken Stories of Beggar 21
The image showcases an elderly woman, her face etched with the lines of time, each one telling a story of survival and resilience. The white of her hair contrasts with the warm, earthy tones of the background, highlighting her presence. There's a particular glint in her eyes that speaks of wisdom, and perhaps of dreams long held but not forgotten.
This portrait is a poignant reminder of the overlooked stories in our midst and the dignity inherent in every human being. Through the colorful portrayal of this woman, the artist invites us to contemplate the silent narratives that unfold around us daily. The painting is a celebration of the strength that comes from enduring life's hardships, and it urges us to look deeper, beyond the surface, to the soul of the person within.
A Glimpse into Resilience: The Artistic Journey with India's Beggars
Through my art, I delve into the stark realities and profound inner beauty of beggars in India. These portraits, born from personal encounters, offer a window into their lives marked by hardship yet rich in dignity. My journey includes feeding and engaging with them, despite cultural taboos, driven by a deep compassion and desire to alleviate their suffering. Each painting captures not just a face, but a story of resilience and the human spirit, inviting you to ponder the complex tapestry of life and humanity.