Ven, the Artist Who Paints Weddings Live

In Mauritius, an artist captures weddings in a unique way: live on canvas. Ven, a pioneer of live painting, merges art, emotion, and the present moment.

Amid the bustle of a reception, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses, one man slightly fades into the background. In front of him stands an easel, a few tubes of paint, and a blank canvas. Brush in hand, he observes, sketches, and adjusts. Over the hours, colors settle, respond to each other, and layer upon layer, the wedding takes shape—not through a photograph, but through the hand of a painter.

This artist is Ven, the stage name of Adarsh Venkiah, an art teacher at Idéal College in Rivière-du-Rempart and one of the first practitioners of live painting in Mauritius. Originally from Providence, Ven has carved out a unique space in the local art scene. His specialty is painting live at events—weddings, receptions, corporate parties. It is a performance where the moment transforms into art. "I don’t just paint an image; I paint an emotion, a memory frozen in light and color," he says.

Though still rare on the island, this practice is captivating. The audience stops, observes, and comments. The artist remains focused. He always arrives early, sets up his materials, spots the lighting, and envisions the composition. "I always start a bit earlier, even before the guests arrive. This allows me to lay down my base colors and imagine the overall composition. Then, during the ceremony, the canvas comes alive, evolving with the laughter, applause, and exchanged glances."

At the end of the evening, he unveils the canvas: A2, A1 formats, sometimes larger—up to a meter, depending on the couple's or organizers' choice. The moment is often suspended. The couple and guests recognize themselves in another language: that of color. "It’s as if the wedding itself becomes a work of art. The energy of the place, the emotions of the people, all get infused into the canvas."

Having been a teacher for several years, Ven balances his time between teaching and creating. To his students, he emphasizes that "art does not limit itself to a classroom. Art is everywhere. In the street, in nature, in a smile. You just need to open your eyes."

On weekends, he trades the classroom for receptions. This dual role—artist and teacher—fuels his creativity and enhances his technique. "Teaching has taught me to observe details. In art, that’s what makes all the difference: a glance, a shadow, a slightly off color." His style is recognizable: a mix of pastel tones and bright bursts, with a focus on light and emotion. His portraits, whether figurative or semi-abstract, seek to capture the essence of the moment. "I don’t seek perfection; I seek the truth of the moment," he confides.

Word of mouth has spread his reputation. In just a few months, requests have multiplied. Ven tailors his palettes to each event: soft colors for weddings, bolder shades for corporate parties. "I love this diversity. Each event has its own energy, and that’s what I try to translate onto the canvas."

What he paints is less a scene than an atmosphere. "When I paint, I feel the collective emotion, the happiness of the people. I become a silent witness to their joy. It’s very powerful." This almost meditative stance is inherited from his relationship with nature and light since childhood. For a long time, he drew alone, observing the nuances of the sky or the texture of a leaf. This attention to reality is reflected in his artistic process today.

For guests, witnessing a live painting is an experience. Some observe quietly, others engage in conversation, but all become part of the creative process. Ven answers questions while continuing to paint. "People are often surprised to see me painting live. They ask questions, wondering if they will appear on the canvas. I find this beautiful, this interaction between art and the audience." At the end, there’s often a pause before the applause: the finished painting becomes a shared memory. "Many think painting is slow and solitary, but it doesn’t have to be. When you paint in front of people, there’s an incredible energy."

He signs his canvases with a simple "Ven," discreet and almost understated, as if the artist wants to blend into the act of creation. "The most beautiful moment is when I feel the painting is finished. There’s a sort of peace that settles in. As if the canvas can finally breathe."

Ven now dreams of expanding further: exhibiting his works, collaborating with musicians or dancers, and offering workshops for young people. "I would love to collaborate with musicians, photographers, maybe even dancers. Art is even more beautiful when it blends together."