Mumbai-based artist Yashwant Shirwadkar is known for his impressionistic landscapes of places like Varanasi, Rajasthan, Kerala and Kashmir. Varanasi, or Benaras, in particular is a constant muse for this artist. This holy city has been a source of inspiration for many artists and photographers in the history of Indian art, and Shirwadkar brings his own unique vision to its rendition. 

Shirwadkar employs muted colours in painting Benaras: washes of faded grey, ochre and golden become the banks and the skies, while small patches of bright colours transform into figurative elements crowding this pilgrimage site. With a mellow and lucid style, Shirwadkar captures the essence of Benaras in unmistakable ways, and he is untiring in his endeavours: “I am still fascinated with the scenes like Benaras ghats which I have painted again and again. I can never feel that I have unravelled their beauty and their mystery.”