Gautam Bansal and his tryst with charcoal

Though there is a classic charm to black-and-white images, works in charcoal, add a dash of romance with their rough-around-the-edges finish. Charcoal in Stillness and Motion, a solo show by artist Gautam Bansal, comprise works largely executed in this medium.

Bengaluru-based Gautam, an alumnus of Frank Anthony Public School, says his tryst with art began in childhood when he began attending art classes by the age of six to hone his talent. After graduating from The Wigan & Leigh College that specialised in advertising, design and art, Gautam’s career path spanned digital marketing, real estate and running his design firm. However, he never let go of art, creating pieces whenever he could.

“I first encountered charcoal at art college and I took to it immediately. I’ve always been partial to the colour black and anything monochromatic, such as black-and-white photographs resonates with me,” says Gautam.

He adds, “As I began to understand the nuances of this medium, the more enamoured I became by it. The first painting I created received a lot of praise, which encouraged me and boosted my confidence.”

Silent Strength by Gautam Bansal
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Still, it was only after participating in over 30 group shows and the India Art Fair, that Gautam seriously considered turning his “passion into profession” and took to being a full-time artist in 2022.

Charcoal in Stillness and Motion is his first solo show and the 30 images on display have been created over the past two years. Even a passing glance at the canvases reveal his love for animals and nature — galloping horses, the soulful look of a dog, storms at sea and more.

However, close-ups of the elephant’s and horse’s eyes are the ones that hold your gaze. The attention to detail as well as the depth they convey in two tones is amazing. One can almost feel the roughness of the trunk or the vein pulsing under the velvety softness of the muzzle.

Guatam says his representation of animals goes beyond their natural form. “For me, horses not only reflect strength, but also communicate a grace of movement and a visual appeal. White tigers are an endangered species, seen mostly in zoos and rarely in the wild, and yet the survival instinct in them is not dimmed.”

Koi by Gautam Bansal
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

He adds some of his work stems from fond recollections, such as picnics in childhood or when he first saw koi splash around gracefully in a pond. Talking about Through The Canopy, he reminisces about spending time under the trees at Cubbon Park, peering to catch a glimpse of the sun from under dappled shadows.

Gautam says memories, milestones, and challenges he has overcome find their way in his work — in the resilience of the tiger, the silent strength of the horse and the migration of wildebeest fraught with danger, unsure if they will make the crossing unharmed.

Charcoal in Stillness and Motion by Gautam Bansal is on display at Sublime Galleria till September 7. Entry fee ₹50.