MD Parashar, a painter and wildlife photographer, is bringing his unique soot art exhibition 'Whispers of the Wild' to Bengaluru after nearly 26 years. The exhibition, curated by Artenblu in collaboration with Martial Motors Volvo, showcases his technique of using domestic lampblack (soot) and a crumpled newspaper as a nib to create artworks inspired by Ranthambore's wildlife. Parashar discovered the medium while cleaning a kerosene lamp, finding that the soot produced 10 to 12 shades of black and white.
The exhibition matters because Parashar's work demonstrates an accessible, low-cost art form that anyone can try without expensive materials. His return to Bengaluru after 26 years highlights the enduring appeal of his innovative technique, which he has developed over 40 years without charging students. The show emphasizes the intersection of science and art, as Parashar explains how the volatile soot material is manipulated using paper nibs to create detailed textures and tones.