Kurt van der Basch paints Delhi in watercolours

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Director of the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, recently invited art lovers to a unique exhibition titled "Away to Stay" - a showcase of evocative watercolour paintings by Czech-Canadian artist Kurt van der Basch.

The exhibition was held earlier this week at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi.

Known internationally for his work as a Hollywood storyboard artist, he has spent over two decades sketching cinematic visions for the silver screen. But during a transformative three-and-a-half-year stay in India, he turned his attention away from film sets and toward the world outside his window - bustling streets, quiet corners, everyday people and fleeting moments - all captured through the delicate immediacy of watercolour painting.Attendees said that they found Away to Stay is a deeply personal body of work. The paintings offer not only a glimpse into van der Basch’s evolving artistic practice, but also a rare outsider’s view into the rhythms and textures of life across the India - rendered with warmth, sensitivity, and an eye for detail honed by years in visual storytelling.The exhibition was a celebration of cross-cultural experience, quiet observation, and the timeless appeal of watercolour as a medium.

Kurt has also worked on dozens of television commercials. Kurt's recent projects include the Netflix hit "Extraction 2" starring Chris Hemsworth and Jon Chu's "WICKED" starring Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey. Kurt regularly teaches workshops for film and illustration students.