The Continuum by Monish Bali: A Celebration of Art and Wildlife
The world of art and wildlife converged in a mesmerizing showcase at Eyes of the Untamed – The Continuum, the latest exhibition by renowned artist Monish Bali. Held at the elegant Travancore Palace, New Delhi, on November 20th and 21st, 2024, and presented by The Viceroy Estate, this immersive event was curated by celebrated designer Ashish Soni. It marked a bold evolution in Bali’s artistry, offering a profound exploration of the animal kingdom through his signature charcoal technique, leaving audiences captivated by the intricate detail and emotional depth of his work.
As the soothing classical compositions of Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash filled the air, the two-day event became more than just an exhibition—it was an emotive experience that connected the viewer to the untamed spirit of nature. From the majestic lions of the African savannah to the elusive snow leopards of India’s mountains, Bali’s creations explored the themes of vulnerability, strength, and the inseparable bond between humans and the natural world.
Building on the success of his first exhibition, The Charcoal Chronicles, Monish Bali has solidified his reputation as one of India’s most avant-garde contemporary artists. His journey began in 2016 with a vision to create a gallery space that paid homage to traditional art forms while embracing the unrestrained beauty of nature. This vision led to the creation of The Wild Whispers, a gallery concept that merged recreations inspired by master artisans with Bali’s own love for the wild. To Bali, art is not a static creation but a living, evolving entity that constantly adapts and grows. His debut solo exhibition, The Charcoal Chronicles, was a testament to his dedication to capturing the wonders of nature through a lens of reverence and awe.
About the Exhibition:
Eyes of the Untamed – The Continuum takes Bali’s artistic vision to new heights. Focusing on one striking feature—the eyes—Bali’s technique brings life to his subjects in a way that no medium has before. The eyes of each animal are brought to life with a burst of vibrant color, creating an emotional bridge between the viewer and the creature on the canvas. From the regal lions of Africa to the revered Royal Bengal tigers of India, Bali’s work captures the essence and majesty of the world’s wildlife, elevating each piece with an attention to detail and depth of feeling that showcases his deep connection to nature.
Speaking about the exhibition, curator Ashish Soni shared, “Monish Bali’s work is more than just visually stunning—it evokes something far deeper. His ability to capture the raw, untamed spirit of wildlife with such emotion and precision is what makes his art so compelling. Curating this exhibition was an incredible opportunity to highlight not just the art, but the powerful narratives behind each creature.”
Eyes of the Untamed – The Continuum invites its audience to witness the living, breathing energy of the natural world through the eyes of its wild inhabitants—bringing their stories to life and allowing us to see the untamed with fresh eyes.
