Santosh Mahale

Born in India and based in Melbourne, Santosh is a self-taught artist who began his journey over two decades ago by painting a souvenir after a memorable trip to London. What started as a hobby, capturing the essence of places he visited, evolved into something more significant during the COVID lockdowns. This period gave him the time and space to elevate his passion for art to a professional level, reinforcing his artistic style, medium, and subject matter.

Santosh’s work is driven by his passion for exploring places and expressing the unique characteristics that define each destination. Drawing from his experience living and working around the world, he has a deep understanding of what sets each location apart. His unconventional background in engineering and management consulting brings a fascinating blend of intellect and artistry, drawing attention to often-overlooked details in our surroundings. Central to his work is the belief that we share a collective responsibility to preserve both the natural wonders and man-made heritage that shape our cultures and histories—integral aspects of a place’s identity that deserve to be protected for future generations.

Santosh’s artistic style merges cartography and topographical elements with a diverse range of natural and architectural icons that collectively define a place. His chosen medium, oils, allows him to convey a wide spectrum of colors from a limited palette, bringing depth and texture to his depictions of both natural and man-made landmarks.

Following the success of his first solo exhibition, Birds Eye Melbourne, Santosh is now preparing for his next show, Birds Eye Bangalore, where he will celebrate the city of his upbringing alongside other iconic places in India. As he continues to explore the world, he looks forward to expanding the Birds Eye series, showcasing the unique spirit of cities and landscapes across the globe.