Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The exhibition by Nikas Safronov, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, was opened in Mumbai, India, with support from the Rosneft Oil Company. The exhibition, titled “Dream Vision”, will be open to the public at the National Gallery of Modern Art from 30 December to 15 January.
The exhibition formed part of a major cultural diplomacy project that was presented in December at the national Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. This exhibition is recognised as the most popular and significant one in India in the last 60 years. Over two weeks, the exhibition was visited by 560,000 people, including representatives of the authorities and international organisations, as well as leading art critics, film and television stars.
Mumbai is presenting 45 works that cover the key stages in Safronov’s career. The exhibition showcases the evolution of his artistic language, from classical painting and symbolism to the author’s Dream Vision style. Large-format LED screens greet visitors at the entrance, creating the effect of transitioning from the real world to a world of images. There is a particular focus on works that combine traditional Russian patterns, such as Gzhel, Khokhloma and Palekh motifs, with Indian cultural codes.
The National Gallery of Modern Art is a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site. For this museum, Nikas Safronov created a five-hundred-metre-long Hindu mandala installation that comes to life inside the gallery’s huge dome. This installation reveals the project’s key idea: the unification of Eastern and Western cultures. To enhance perception, the exhibition uses a combination of classical painting and modern technology to create an immersive environment through installations, lighting, sound and digital solutions.
The series of works, which was painted especially for the Indian public, has already attracted the attention of art critics. They describe these pieces as “a subtle and intellectual dialogue of cultures, in which Russia speaks to India through images and emotions”. These artworks are a testament to the artist’s respect and admiration for India, its history, philosophy, religious traditions, mythology, and architecture.
The exhibition was titled “Dream Vision”, reflecting Nikas Safronov’s signature style of the same name. This unique technique enables the artist to create multi-layered paintings that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction.
Rosneft supports major cultural initiatives in Russia and internationally, playing an active role in fostering cultural relations between Russia and India. With the Company’s support, the Festival of India was held on Manezh Square in Moscow this summer. Guests were treated to presentations of handicrafts and national delicacies, as well as performances by famous Indian creative groups. In October 2024, Tatiana Navka’s ice show tour in the Indian city of Ahmedabad was a great success, supported by Rosneft. Scheherazade’s Love Story, featuring the world’s top figure skaters, is the first ice show to be held in India.
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Rosneft Oil Company
December 29, 2025
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