Replete with life-sized sculpted elephants, coloured red, white and black, projections of light, sound and video, printed carpets, that evoke texture and artificial flowers that give out fragrant smells, the Lalit Kala Akademi Gallery will get a complete makeover for the upcoming exhibition Dream Vision: Nikas Safronov’s first exhibition in India conveys the sensibility of Russian art to Delhi and Mumbai.
Safronov’s exhibition opens at the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi from December 7 to 21, 2025, followed by a second showcase in Mumbai from December 25, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Organized with the support of Rosneft, Russia’s leading oil company, these exhibitions are expected to attract art enthusiasts, cultural connoisseurs, and curious visitors alike. It is also a cultural marker of the diplomatic coming together of India and Russia and the high profile meeting between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Shri Narendra Modi.
It is of course part of modern history that India and Russia have a long-standing diplomatic relationship that was established in 1947 and was a key part of India’s foreign policy during the Cold War. The partnership was formalized into a Strategic Partnership in 2000 and has recently seen renewed emphasis with new diplomatic missions opening in Russia and on-going high-level summits to deepen cooperation in areas like defence, technology, trade, and energy.
“I have always been fascinated by India’s cultural heritage,” Safronov said in his artist statement. “Its history, music, cinema, and the aesthetic richness of its landscapes and architecture have inspired my imagination. Visiting India is like stepping into a world where culture is alive in every street, every temple, and every festival. I am delighted to finally present my work here, and I hope it can serve as a bridge of understanding between our countries,” he surmises.
Safronov paintings bring together the disciplines of Renaissance style paintings with modern flair, and he creates a time capsule with his art. While the buildings are stately, the corridors long and the tympanums high, the figures are laced with realism and then an expressive fineness brings his compositions to highlight the grandeur of his vision.
For Safronov, this exhibition is not merely an artistic showcase; it is a gesture of cultural connection. His works in India will highlight landscapes, historical sites, and mythological themes that have long inspired him. Paintings of the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and other iconic Indian landmarks, along with interpretations of Hindu mythology and Indian cultural motifs, will feature prominently in this exhibition to heighten his experience of India.
Safronov, widely regarded as Russia’s most prominent modern artist, has built a career that spans decades and crosses continents. Known for his striking portraits, imaginative compositions, and the distinctive surrealist-symbolic style he calls Dream Vision, he has held over 320 exhibitions worldwide, attracting millions of visitors. His work has frequently intersected with international diplomacy, reflecting his belief that art can transcend political boundaries and foster understanding between nations.
Awarded the prestigious title of People’s Artist of Russia, and for art enthusiasts, they offer a rare opportunity to engage with one of Russia’s most celebrated modern artists.
Georgina is an independent critic-curator with 18 years of experience in the field of Indian art and culture. She blurs the lines of documentation, theory and praxis by involving herself in visual art projects. Besides writing on immersive art for STIRworld, she is a regular contributor for The Hindu, MASH Mag and Architectural Digest.
