New Delhi, November 18, 2024 – Following his debut exhibition’s tremendous success, Monish Bali returns with Eyes of the Untamed: The Continuum, an extraordinary showcase of his mastery in charcoal art. Presented by The Viceroy Estate, this solo exhibition will take place at The Travancore Palace, New Delhi, on the 20th and 21st of November, 2024, offering art enthusiasts and wildlife lovers an opportunity to experience Bali’s unique perspective on the animal kingdom.
Building on his acclaimed first exhibition, The Charcoal Chronicles, Monish Bali has cemented his place as an avant-gardist in Indian art. His journey began in 2016 with a vision to create a gallery space that pays tribute to traditional art forms while embracing the untamed vibrancy of the natural world. The result was The Wild Whispers, a gallery concept and philosophy that brought together recreations inspired by master artisans and Bali’s love for nature’s beauty. To Bali, art is not static—it is a living, breathing entity, restless and continually evolving. This philosophy comes to life in The Charcoal Chronicles, his debut solo exhibition curated by the acclaimed Ashish Soni, which revealed his commitment to capturing nature’s beauty with reverence and wonder.
Eyes of the Untamed: The Continuum elevates Bali’s distinctive approach, capturing the spirit and raw beauty of wildlife with a focus on one extraordinary feature – the eyes. Through his signature technique, Bali renders each animal with a touch of vibrant color solely in the eyes, evoking an emotional connection and sense of life that extends beyond the canvas. The exhibition includes a powerful collection of animals from around the world: the proud lions of the African savannah, India’s revered Royal Bengal tigers, majestic Indian elephants, and the mystical snow leopards of the Himalayas. Each meticulously crafted piece demonstrates Bali’s profound attention to detail and love for the natural world.
Reflecting on his journey, Bali says, “With Eyes of the Untamed: The Continuum, I want to invite viewers into the intimate world of these creatures, to feel their strength, vulnerability, and spirit. By focusing on the eyes, I aim to create a bond between the observer and the observed, to remind us of our shared existence on this planet.”
This exhibit, curated by designer Ashish Soni, offers an immersive experience that delves into introspective themes of self-discovery, growth, fragility, perseverance, and the discipline of attentive observation. Bali’s work invites viewers to explore these themes through the silent, layered stories of his subjects, revealing the soul of each creature through his skillful application of charcoal. By adding vibrant colors solely to the eyes, Bali allows these majestic creatures to look back at the viewer, reflecting strength, vulnerability, and the untamed spirit of the wild. The musical backdrop is composed by the celebrated classical artists Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, adding an emotive layer to Bali’s already captivating pieces.