Manish Nai, born in 1980, is a distinguished artist whose creative journey reflects a deep connection with his Indian roots and an innate ability to transform humble materials into intricate works of art. He embarked on his artistic odyssey after receiving a Diploma in Drawing and Painting from the L.S. Raheja School of Art in Mumbai.
Nai's artistry is a testament to his mastery of materials considered both modest and quintessentially Indian, such as jute and newspaper. His creations are captivating studies in meticulous complexity, meticulously organized into cohesive and visually arresting compositions. These materials hold a special significance for Nai, as they echo the intimate bond he developed with them during his formative years. His father, a trader in robust jute and packing materials, played an influential role in cultivating this understanding.
In recent years, Manish Nai's works have graced prestigious exhibitions and institutions worldwide, including the Devi Art Foundation in New Delhi (2019), the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai (2017, 2019), Para Site in Hong Kong (2018), the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (2018), and NTU CCA in Singapore (2018). His artistry also found a distinguished place at The Sculpture Park at Madhavendra Palace in Jaipur (2017).
Nai's remarkable artistic journey has been punctuated by solo exhibitions at renowned galleries and venues, including the Richard Taittinger Gallery in New York (2021), Kavi Gupta in Chicago (2019), Galerie Karsten Greve in Paris (2019), St. Mortiz (2014, 2018), Cologne (2018), and Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke in Mumbai (2018), among others. Notably, in 2017, the Fondation Fernet Branca presented a comprehensive exhibition encompassing Nai's paintings, murals, sculptures, and photographs in St. Louis, France. This exhibition subsequently traveled to the Het Noordbrabants Museum in The Netherlands in 2018.
Manish Nai's artistic contributions have also been showcased on the international stage through his participation in esteemed events such as the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in India (2014) and the Shanghai Biennale in China (2012).
Nai's artistry is a testament to his ability to transcend the ordinary, elevating humble materials into thought-provoking creations that resonate with viewers worldwide. His work invites contemplation of the intricate interplay between materials, culture, and human expression.
Diploma in Drawing and Painting from the L.S. Raheja School of Art in Mumbai.
