How a Russian master painter is adding a new chapter to India–Russia cultural dialogue
This December, India will welcome a new artistic guest — one whose name resonates across Russia and Europe. Nikas Safronov, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation and Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts, is set to unveil his very first solo exhibition in India. For a country that has long embraced global artistic voices, this is more than just another showcase — it is a moment of creative diplomacy linking two ancient civilizations.
Supported by the Russian energy company Rosneft, the exhibition will debut in New Delhi at the Lalit Kala Akademi from 7 to 21 December 2025, before travelling to the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai, where it will run from 25 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. Nearly a hundred of Safronov’s works — many never shown in South Asia — will be presented.
Dream Vision: When Classic Art Meets Modern Technology
Safronov’s Indian debut will take the form of a multimedia installation titled Dream Vision — an immersive, interactive environment where painting and technology blend seamlessly. It will feature:
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15 thematic zones
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LED and volumetric screens
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multimedia projections
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“neural mirrors”
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animated artworks
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delicate point-lighting effects
The artist says the central piece is being created exclusively for India, inspired by its epics, artistic heritage, history and colours. Visitors, he promises, will feel as if the paintings “glow from within”.
For Indian audiences familiar with experimental installations, from Kochi’s biennale to Mumbai’s digital art pop-ups, Safronov’s approach aligns naturally with today’s global trend: transforming art into an all-sensory experience.
Culture as a Meeting Place in a Multipolar World
Safronov acknowledges that the exhibition became possible through Rosneft’s cultural initiatives, which often support international projects aimed at fostering dialogue.
His words reflect a sentiment many Indian readers would recognize:
“Culture unites people because it speaks a universal language — the language of positive emotions.”
At a time when both India and Russia actively participate in building a multipolar world, cultural exchanges such as this one help expand cooperation beyond economics or geopolitics, reaching directly into the realm of shared human experience.
Strengthening Artistic Threads Between Russia and India
During his stay, Safronov will meet Indian artists, art critics, and hold master classes for students at art colleges and universities. For young painters, this could be an inspiring encounter: Safronov’s career began in 1973, and over five decades he has exhibited across Europe, with many of his works now housed in prestigious museums and private collections.
India’s own artistic landscape — diverse, ancient and experimental — offers a rich ground for dialogue. Russian artists have long admired Indian colour palettes, myths, and the spiritual dimension embedded in traditional art. Safronov’s visit continues this tradition while adding a modern, technological twist.
A Celebration of Friendship Through Art
As India prepares to host the exhibition, it is clear the project is more than just a display of paintings. It is a cultural bridge — a soft yet powerful reminder that cooperation thrives when nations share stories, emotions and creativity.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student, or a curious citizen, Safronov’s Dream Vision promises something rare: a chance to see Russian art not just with the eyes, but with the senses.
