The Worthy Opponents: Vishal Joshi’s Royal-Themed Art Exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

The moment you step into Shridharani Art Gallery at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, you are transported into the splendour of a royal durbar. High-back chairs, majestic thrones, ornate crowns and chandeliers painted in deep shades of red, gold and black evoke the opulence of a bygone era when royalty ruled with grandeur and authority.

Interestingly, the creator of these works, artist Vishal Joshi, carries a regal aura himself. The artist—who is also a photographer, filmmaker and writer—looks every bit like a Maratha ruler as he speaks passionately about his work.

A Royal Narrative on Canvas

Titled “The Worthy Opponents,” the exhibition features a striking series of paintings inspired by the life, power and legacy of kings. Each artwork captures the luxury, pride and authority associated with royal life while subtly hinting at the fragile nature of political power.

The paintings are visually rich, showcasing velvet-upholstered thrones, jewel-studded crowns and elaborate royal furniture. Yet beneath the grandeur lies a deeper philosophical idea.

Through his signature spiral motifs, Vishal Joshi reflects on the transient nature of power. These spirals—recurring throughout the paintings—represent his subconscious expression of how authority, no matter how mighty, eventually dissolves into time.

The crowns and thrones glitter with the brilliance of gold, but their solid forms slowly dissolve into intricate webs of spirals, symbolising how even the most powerful empires fade away.

Emperor’s Script: Power and Its Fall

One of the most compelling works in the exhibition is “Emperor’s Script.” In this painting, Vishal uses his trademark spirals to represent historical records that narrate the fall of a throne.

According to the artist, power is cyclical.

“Be it then or now, the downfall of one king—or political opponent—is marked by the ascent of another,” he explains.

Another painting depicts the crowning ceremony of a king, where the artist uses spirals to represent the mixed emotions of rival rulers—envy, fear and admiration—towards the newly crowned monarch.

Through different designs of thrones and crowns, Vishal also subtly indicates the presence of multiple kings and queens, each with their own identity and power.

An Interactive Artistic Experience

One of the most innovative installations in the gallery features a mirror with a crown painted on it, surrounded by paintings of royal objects displayed in decorative frames.

The concept is simple yet powerful.

“When a visitor looks into the mirror, he becomes a part of the royalty that surrounds him,” says Vishal.

The installation invites viewers to see themselves within the world of kings and queens, blurring the boundary between observer and subject.

A Burst of Creativity in Seven Months

Remarkably, the entire body of work displayed in the exhibition has been created in just seven to eight months.

Considering the scale and volume of the paintings, this is an impressive feat. But according to Vishal, intense focus is central to his creative process.

“When I begin a work, I don’t stop until I reach the end point. A break means a change in thoughts and colours,” he says.

The Many Passions of Vishal Joshi

A graduate of the College of Art, Indore, Vishal Joshi began his professional journey as a fashion designer in 1996. Even today, he occasionally returns to fashion design and recently participated in Indore Fashion Week.

In 1999, he entered the world of fine art, expanding his practice to include paintings, sculptures and installations.

But art is just one of his many passions.

Vishal is also an avid biker, photographer and traveller. He has directed films, including a short film for the NGO Magic Bus, and has written scripts that have been submitted to the Children’s Film Society of India.

“I love meeting people and learning from them,” he says. “In some way or another, the knowledge I gain from others eventually reflects in my work.”

A Restless Creative Spirit

Like many artists, Vishal describes himself as a restless soul. Constant movement and new environments, he believes, are essential for creativity.

Originally from Banswara in Rajasthan, he studied in Indore, later moved to Mumbai, and is now considering another relocation.

“There is a reason for this,” he explains. “If you stay too long in one place, people begin to treat you like a celebrity—and that can kill creativity.”

According to him, moving to new cities helps an artist constantly test his potential.

“When you go somewhere new where no one knows you, you start again from zero. That challenge keeps creativity alive.”

Interestingly, Vishal prefers not to plan his future moves.

“If things don’t go according to plan, they create disappointment and negativity. I am a positive person, so I prefer not to plan,” he says with a smile.