Combining artistic expression with cultural diplomacy, Nikas Safronov, a renowned national artist of the Russian Federation, is showcasing his works in New Delhi and Mumbai as part of an effort to deepen India–Russia ties.
The exhibition at the Lalit Kala Akademi in the capital, on view from December 7 to 21, will feature nearly 100 paintings, including works in his signature ‘Dream Vision’ style, which captures the half-blurred impressions of dreams just before waking.
Advertisement
For this international cultural project, Safronov has also created a new series inspired by Indian culture, religion and mythology, reflecting what he described as his “respect and admiration” for the country’s history.
Advertisement
Speaking about his preparations, Safronov said he immersed himself in India’s cultural and historical landscape. “I studied images of Shiva and Brahma, the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, the landscape, architecture and various iconic sites. To capture the atmosphere, I carefully studied Roerich’s paintings to view India and Tibet through his eyes once more,” he said.
His second exhibition will open at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai on December 25 and run until January 15.
Meanwhile, Indian artists are also contributing to cultural outreach between the two nations through handmade paintings and digital sand art.
Jagjot Rubal, an artist from Amritsar, created a seven-foot acrylic portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his visit to New Delhi. He titled the piece Echoes of Friendship, describing it as a personal gesture to welcome the Russian leader on his first trip to India since the Ukraine war began. The artwork, which took about 14 days to complete, will be sent to Putin’s office in Moscow.
In Odisha, internationally acclaimed sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a sand animation featuring Putin to mark the visit.
Advertisement
