Santosh Mahale

Santosh Mahale (b. 1980, India) is an Australian self-taught abstract figurative artist based in Melbourne. An engineer by education, Santosh has over 20 years of professional experience, primarily as a management consultant across the US, Middle East, and Australia.

Although an inclination toward art was there since childhood, it was not until a trip to London in 2008 that he seriously picked up a paintbrush, creating a souvenir painting that marked the beginning of his artistic journey. What started as a hobby evolved into a professional pursuit during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Merging elements of cartography, architectural design, and iconic imagery, Santosh uses oils to create depth and texture, highlighting the diverse landscapes and architectural landmarks of the places he paints. His artistic approach takes two key forms—detailed city maps capturing intricate street networks with their natural and human-made icons, and the ‘Windows to the World’ series, which primarily focuses on landscape patterns. A signature element of his work is the representation of local birds, symbolizing the spirit and identity of each place he portrays. Santosh’s professional background has shaped his unique approach to art, where logic and creativity seamlessly merge. Drawing on his analytical skills, he explores how emotional engagement with art can spark curiosity, inviting viewers to look deeper, notice patterns, and experience the world from new perspectives. Central to his work is a belief in the preservation of these icons representing the place, recognizing their significance in shaping cultural identities for future generations.

Following the Birdseye Melbourne and Birdseye Bangalore exhibitions, he plans to expand his Birdseye series to other cities across Australia, India, and beyond, continuing his mission to capture the essence of each place on a single canvas.