Manu Manjesh Lal

Born in 1973 in Kerala, India, Manu Manjesh Lal, has pursued a diverse educational path that reflects his deep engagement with both scientific inquiry and artistic expression. He graduated in BSc (Physics) from St. Stephen’s College, earned a BFA from the College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, and a Master’s Degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria. Currently, Manu is pursuing a PhD in Visual Arts at the UNISA, Pretoria, where he is keen to investigate the establishment of connections between phenomenological perspectives and contemporary visual arts practices t o reveal s i g n i fi c a n t insights into t h e n a t u r e of c o n s c i o u s n e s s a n d t h e role of t h e viewer in t h e artistic experience. For the past 23 years, Manu has been living and working in Gaborone, Botswana, where his work has been exhibited in prestigious venues and collected by notable institutions. His artistic practice is rooted in the dynamic interplay b e t w e e n t h o u g h t s a n d e m o t i o n s , r e s o n a t i n g with c o n t e m p o r a r y a r t m o v e m e n t s e m e r g i n g in Botswana. He e n g a g e s with cultural narratives while challenging m a i n s t r e a m ideas, reflecting on both personal and collective identities. This temporal dimension as a personal narrative-time helps him to develop m e a n i n g for t h e creative practice that he engages with his unique cultural identity while participating in global discourses. In his studio practice, Manu often intertwines historical awareness with his own experiences. This approach fosters a rich dialogue about identity and emphasises the importance of historicity and temporality in his art-making. His belief in art as a t r a n s i e n t l a n d m a s s c o n fi n e d by c o n s c i o u s n e s s mirrors t h e s e n t i m e n t s e x p r e s s e d by many artists who navigate their cultural landscapes, seeking authenticity amidst the complexities of modernity. The emphasis on collectivity over individualism among African artists highlights a growing movement that values community engagement and shared experiences, which enriches Manu’s own artistic journey. Having his works included in Nirox, South Africa, and permanent collections in prestigious academic institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, s u g g e s t s that Manu is contributing to a broader conversation about artistic expression in Southern Africa. This parallels the evolution of visual arts in Africa, w h e r e cultural e x c h a n g e s a n d collaborative projects create a rich e n v i r o n m e n t for exploring the intersections of his experiences with those of other artists across borders. Engaging with these themes deepens his work as he explores notions of the self, alterity, and their connections to the complex phenomenon of consciousness. To put it briefly, Manu’s background and artistic philosophy connect deeply with his personal narrative and resonate with ongoing dialogues within contemporary art scenes in India, Botswana, and South Africa.