The first-ever Indian exhibition of Nikas Safronov, a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, will start in New Delhi on December 7. Safronov, a celebrated contemporary portraitist and symbolist, will present his “Dream Vision” exhibition at the Lalit Kala Akademi Gallery, which will run until December 21. Admission is free.
The exhibition is supported by Russian oil giant Rosneft Oil Company as its general partner, a company actively involved in major cultural projects and promoting international cultural dialogue.
The showcase will feature works created in the artist’s signature Dream Vision technique. This unique approach applies multi-layered painting to create effects that blur the line between reality and artistic imagination. In his works, Safronov masterfully blends classical elements with illusion, inviting viewers to reinterpret visual narratives and immerse themselves in complex, multi-faceted stories.
The artist noted that art brings together people from different cultures, and he believes the Dream Vision project will be a significant step in deepening the cultural dialogue between Russia and India.
Nikas Safronov is one of Russia’s most prominent contemporary artists. He rose to international fame largely through his series of penetrating psychological portraits of famous politicians, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He has held hundreds of solo exhibitions across the globe over his prolific career. His works form part of the permanent collections of major Russian institutions such as the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum, and the Pushkin Museum. They are in high demand among private collectors, including celebrities like Madonna, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, and Elton John.

