Mahesh Baliga

Mahesh Baliga is an Indian artist whose work explores the complexities of memory, perception, and the intersection of the real and the imagined. His paintings often reflect the act of looking itself, the experience of seeing, and the way it evokes deeper emotional and psychological responses. In his art, Baliga is particularly interested in how seemingly mundane or overlooked moments can be infused with meaning, and he draws vital connections between the natural world and the human experience. Figures, animals, trees and other objects in his paintings are not merely representations - they are also vehicles with the potential to tell stories, gleaned from both individual experience and universal complicities. Baliga’s style is characterised by surreal interventions that subtly alter the way we perceive reality, time, memory, and loss. Through his compositions, he oscillates between reality and imagination, exploring the delicate nature of our recollections and the passage of time. His works invite the viewer into a space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the familiar charged with profound emotion. In 2022, Baliga had his first solo exhibition outside of India, Drawn to Remember, at David Zwirner’s London gallery. This landmark show further cemented his international presence and demonstrated his ability to capture and communicate the nuance and beauty of life in India. Baliga has also been featured in high-profile exhibitions such as the Kochi Biennale, and has held several solo shows at Project 88 in Mumbai. In addition to his practice as an artist, he has contributed to the academia as a lecturer at various Fine Arts institutions. His works are housed in distinguished collections, including those of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum.