Mahesh Sharma

Rachna Singh, Editor, The Wise Owl talks to Mahesh Sharma, an accomplished space Designer who embarked on his creative journey in 2001 by undertaking a course on Visual Communication at NIFT New Delhi. In the past two decades, he has collaborated with various leading fashion houses and organizations to create magnificent installations and build remarkable sets across the globe. His extensive portfolio includes working with eminent Indian designers like Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Anju Modi and Suneet Varma, to name a few. With his expertise in design and art as well as his keen eye for nature's beauty, Mahesh is all set to take on new challenges that come his way such as creating an innovative new collection that is bound to impress!

 

Hello Mahesh. It was a pleasure meeting you at World Art Dubai and discussing your art and creativity. Thank you for accepting our invitation to continue a more in-depth conversation with The Wise Owl.

 

RS: Your World Art Dubai exhibits encompass work on canvas as well as with metal and wood. Tell us about the inspiration behind expressing creativity through different mediums and in different forms. Also tell us the idea behind your Nar-Nari collection.

 

MS: I love exploring different materials because each one feels unique in your hands—wood has a soul, metal has strength, and canvas holds emotion. I don’t see limits in material, only opportunities. The Nar-Nari series is very special to me. It’s about balance—masculine and feminine energy coming together in harmony. It’s not just a theme, it’s an energy I try to show through every shape and texture.

 

 

RS:  Your creative journey began at NIFT Delhi in 2001 with a foundation in Visual Communication. Looking back, how did that early academic training influence your visual language, and in what ways has your design sensibility evolved over the years as you transitioned into large-scale art installations and contemporary exhibits?

 

MS: NIFT was my starting point—it taught me how to look, really look, at design and visuals. But my real learning came through years of working with people, travelling, and creating. Over time, I moved into large-scale art, and my design language kept growing. Now, I focus on how people experience space, light, and material in my installations.

 

 

RS: You’ve worked with top fashion houses and global names. How do you keep your creative voice strong while also working on commercial or collaborative projects?

 

MS: I’ve worked with almost every leading fashion designer in India—Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, and many more. Each collaboration taught me something valuable. It’s been a 25-year journey of learning and evolving, and I’m grateful to all of them. These experiences shaped my way of thinking, and I bring that knowledge into my own art. Even while collaborating, I always stay rooted in my own style—that's important to me.
 

 

RS: Design by Nature and Un Mind are both evocative titles that suggest an introspective and elemental approach to creation. Could you walk us through the conceptual genesis of these projects—what inspired them, how they reflect your worldview, and how you developed them?

 

MS: Design by Nature came right after COVID. I had time to slow down and connect with nature again. I started noticing textures, colours, patterns—things I never really saw before. That became the seed of the project. Nature is the biggest designer; there’s no one better.

Un Mind came after I travelled to Bhutan. It’s the happiest country in the world, and I was drawn to its peace and depth. I started using handmade papers, natural colours, traditional motifs—bringing that ancient feel into modern artworks. I never sketch before starting a piece—I go straight to the canvas. That honesty in process is important to me. Every collection starts with a story, and I research deeply before I create.

 

 

RS:  You’ve exhibited at the India Art Fair and done successful solo shows. How do people respond to your work? Have you had any memorable moments?

 

MS: What really touches me is when people stop and smile, or take time to really look at my work. That emotional connection means a lot. At the India Art Fair, even artists and designers I’ve worked with were surprised—they hadn’t seen work like mine before. What surprises them most is that every year, for the past five years, I’ve done something completely new. Each series has its own story, its own concept. I never repeat myself, and that’s what shows my understanding of design and my ability to think fresh every time. I believe each artwork should come from a deeper idea, and I work hard to make sure every series stands on its own.

 

 

RS:  One of the striking features of your work is its seamless integration of organic forms with contemporary aesthetics. How does nature inspire your work, and how do you bring that into your creative process?

 

MS: I’m a nature lover—I travel often and spend time in forests, hills, rivers. Nature gives me everything—texture, colour, silence, energy. I don’t need to force it. When I observe the world closely, ideas come naturally. That’s what Design by Nature was all about—learning directly from the earth. My art always starts from what I see and feel in the natural world.

 

 

RS: You’ve done a lot of collaborative work, especially in set and space design. Which partnerships were most important to you, and how do you maintain your vision in joint projects?

 

MS: Each partnership brought something new, but working with India’s top designers shaped me the most. Those projects gave me discipline, scale, and a deeper understanding of beauty and storytelling. But I always bring my voice to the table. Collaboration, for me, is not about giving up control—it’s about building something stronger together.

 

 

RS: Contemporary Indian art is undergoing rapid transformation, especially with the blurring of boundaries between design, craft, and fine art. As an artist who sits at this intersection, what trends or shifts excite you most? Conversely, what challenges do you think emerging artists in this space face today?

 

MS: Yes, Indian art is changing, and it’s exciting to see. Creativity today is not just on canvas—it’s in digital forms, AI art, installations, experiences. We’re entering a new art era. I’m curious to see how artists—including myself—can use this time to bring something fresh and different. At the same time, the challenge for young artists is to stay honest. Trends come and go, but staying true to your story is what really matters.

 

Thank you, Mahesh, for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us about your art and creativity. We wish you the best in all your creative endeavours.