The exhibition Buoyant Iconic Depth has been a defining moment in the celebration of Sanjeev Sinha’s unparalleled artistic legacy. Held from November 20 to 26, 2024, at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, this meticulously curated collection featured 45 paintings and drawings alongside 14 sculptures. The exhibition, co-curated by Els Reijnders and Dianne Hagen, illuminated Sinha’s artistic journey between 2013 and 2020—a period marked by his ability to blend Indian mythology with universal humanistic themes.
The private opening night on November 19 was a heartfelt affair, attended by art lovers, collectors, and critics, all united in their admiration for Sinha’s work. Guests like Mr. Anjani Kumar Singh, Director of the Bihar Museum, and Mr. Ashok Vajpeyi, celebrated poet and cultural critic, reflected on the enduring relevance of Sinha’s art. The evening, punctuated by emotional speeches from Sinha’s nephew and Foundation Director Abhigya Sagar, resonated with a sense of unity and reverence for an artist who captured the essence of humanity through his evocative creations.
Panel Discussion: A Conversation on Origin and Universality
As the exhibition unfolded, it became a space for reflection, discussion, and connection. It was only fitting that this profound exploration of Sinha’s legacy culminated in a panel discussion on November 23 titled "A Conversation on Origin & Universality." This intellectual and emotional journey brought together a distinguished panel of experts to delve deeper into the themes that defined Sinha’s work and their resonance with contemporary art and culture.
The Panel Discussion: Bridging the Past and the Present
The panel discussion, moderated by Dianne Hagen, COO of the Sanjeev Sinha Foundation, brought together Ashok Vajpeyi, poet and literary-cultural critic; Manu Parekh, acclaimed painter; Vivek Vilasini, celebrated photographer and artist; and Els Reijnders, curator and longtime collaborator of Sinha. The gathering was attended by invited guests, walk-ins, and members of the press, creating a lively and engaged audience eager to partake in the dialogue.
The central theme of the discussion was the intersection of ancestry, creativity, and universality in art, with Sanjeev Sinha’s legacy serving as the focal point. The conversation explored questions such as: What makes art universal? How do personal stories and cultural roots resonate with a global audience? And how does art transcend time and societal boundaries to evoke universal truths?
Ashok Vajpeyi: The Harmony Between Poetry and Visual Art
Ashok Vajpeyi began by reflecting on the intriguing relationship between visual art and poetry. He noted how poetry takes its audience on a journey with words, while paintings convey their stories in silence. Despite these differences, he highlighted their shared purpose: to stir emotions and offer profound reflections on the human condition. Vajpeyi drew parallels between Sinha’s art and poetry, emphasizing the poetic quality inherent in his works, which evoke layered interpretations and a timeless appeal.
Vajpeyi also delved into the narrative nature of Sinha’s work, pointing out its ability to spark introspection. “Sinha’s works are as enigmatic as poetry,” he remarked, “and like great poems, they leave viewers with more questions than answers.”
Manu Parekh: The Struggles and Mentorship of a Visionary Artist
Manu Parekh, a renowned painter celebrated for his depictions of Varanasi, brought a personal touch to the discussion. He reflected on the challenges of being an artist in the 1990s, particularly for those coming from small towns in India. Parekh praised Sinha for his role as a mentor to emerging artists, especially those from Bihar, his home state.
“Sanjeev was not just a brilliant artist but a generous mentor,” Parekh shared. “He understood the struggles of young artists and provided them with guidance and encouragement, helping nurture a new generation of Bihari talent.”
Parekh also spoke about the universality in Sinha’s work, noting that while it was deeply rooted in Indian mythology, its themes of peace, humanity, and introspection resonated with audiences far beyond cultural boundaries.
Vivek Vilasini: Storytelling Through Art
For Vivek Vilasini, the power of Sanjeev Sinha’s work lay in its ability to tell stories. He described how Sinha’s art became his medium of communication with the world, allowing him to share his worldview with authenticity. Vilasini drew comparisons between Sinha’s storytelling and his own staged photographic narratives, which often weave together personal ancestry and broader themes of identity and spirituality.
“Sinha’s work doesn’t just invite you to look—it invites you to engage, to question, and to reflect,” Vilasini remarked. He also touched upon the importance of cultural specificity in art, suggesting that it is through the deeply personal that art achieves its universal appeal.
Els Reijnders: A Curator’s Perspective
As someone who had worked closely with Sanjeev Sinha for decades, Els Reijnders offered a unique perspective on his artistic evolution. She recounted her early interactions with Sinha and how his explanations of his work deepened her appreciation for its layered meanings. Reijnders highlighted the harmonious interplay between Sinha’s paintings and sculptures, describing it as a dialogue between mediums that enriched the viewer’s experience.
“Sinha’s work doesn’t dictate—it invites,” Reijnders said. “The more you engage with it, the more it reveals itself, much like the myths and philosophies that inspired it.”
The Universality of Art
The panel discussion also explored broader themes of universality in art. The panellists debated whether art rooted in specific cultural narratives can resonate with a global audience. The consensus was that universality lies in the emotions and truths that art evokes, transcending the constraints of time, geography, and language.
The dialogue also touched on the role of art in responding to societal turmoil. “Does art that reflects the chaos of the world risk being time-bound?” asked one audience member. The panellists agreed that while such art may emerge from specific moments, its ability to evoke deeper human truths can give it a timeless quality.
A Legacy That Inspires
As the discussion came to a close, it was clear that A Conversation on Origin & Universality had achieved its purpose: to honor Sanjeev Sinha’s legacy while sparking meaningful conversations about the nature of art and its ability to connect people across cultures. For those who attended, it was more than just a panel discussion—it was a celebration of creativity, dialogue, and the transformative power of art.
In the words of Abhigya Sagar, “This panel discussion not only honors my uncle’s vision but also ignites conversations about the universality of art and its ability to connect people across cultures. Through this exhibition and dialogue, we hope to inspire audiences to explore the deep and transformative power of creativity.”
A Continuing Journey
As Buoyant Iconic Depth came to a close on November 26, 2024, it left behind a legacy of reflection, connection, and inspiration. The panel discussion, like the exhibition itself, was a testament to Sanjeev Sinha’s belief in the power of art to transcend boundaries and illuminate universal truths. It served as a reminder that art, at its best, is not just a reflection of the world but a bridge that connects us all.