Posted on 5 June 2025:

The Silent Canvas Speaks Again: A Timeless Tribute to Artistic Legacy

After thirty years of quiet contemplation, the brilliant strokes of Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal reemerge, breathing life into the canvas once more. “The Silent Canvas Speaks Again” is more than an exhibition—it is a revival, a tribute and an artistic homecoming. Curated by his granddaughter, Priyam Chandra, this retrospective unveils a collection that resonates with aesthetics, philosophy and a deep-rooted Indian spirit.

From 9th to 17th June 2025, the Annexe Art Gallery, India International Centre Annexe, New Delhi will host The Silent Canvas Speaks Again, a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal, curated by his granddaughter, Priyam Chandra.

Here, every artwork tells a story, echoing whispers of time and thought. Sanghal’s long-muted legacy now finds voice through vibrant hues and masterful compositions. His canvases, once silenced by the years, now speak again—inviting art lovers and thinkers alike to witness the profound vision of an artist who refused to fade into obscurity.

Let the silence be heard. Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s legacy is alive once again.

Echoes of Patriotism: The Artistic Journey of Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal

Born in 1914 in Muzaffarnagar, Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s artistic journey was forged in the fires of India’s independence movement. Arrested during the non-cooperation movement, his early years were shaped by an unyielding spirit of patriotism and cultural pride—values that would later flow through his brushstrokes.

Formally trained at the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Lucknow, Sanghal studied under the visionary guidance of A.K. Halder and Abanindranath Tagore. While preserving the soul of the Bengal School tradition, he refined and evolved his craft, pioneering the delicate yet profound wash technique. Rooted in India’s classical rasa theory, this method allowed him to translate deep psychological states into symbolic colours and textures, ensuring his paintings carried an emotional resonance that transcended time.

Through his mastery, Sanghal did not merely create art—he wove emotion into colour, philosophy into texture, and history into every brushstroke. His canvases stand as enduring testaments to a life steeped in artistry and a soul unwavering in its devotion to culture.

A Legacy in Colors: The Enduring Vision of Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal

The exhibition unveils a breathtaking spectrum of Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s artistic mastery—each piece a testament to his boundless creativity and cultural devotion. From delicate wash paintings to exquisite lacsit creations on wood, from tapestries woven on khadi to silk artworks shimmering with emotion, his collection embraces a diversity rarely seen in a single lifetime. Portraits, landscapes and sculptures, each infused with profound philosophy, stand as silent narrators of his journey.

Among the luminous highlights are Departure of Rama and Marriage Procession—celebrated works that once adorned prestigious national exhibitions and royal collections. His iconic Thou Art Dust, to Dust Returnest, acquired by King George V for the Royal Collection, will also grace the exhibition, allowing audiences a rare glimpse into a masterpiece shaped by time and reverence.

But this showcase is more than a tribute to technique—it is a reflection of an extraordinary life. Prof. Sanghal was not merely an artist; he was a visionary, a philosopher and a guiding force in India’s cultural evolution. 

Through Kala Bharti, the institution he founded in Prayagraj in 1938, he nurtured generations of artists, musicians, and dancers, shaping the nation’s creative identity. 

His influence stretched beyond the canvas—mentoring leaders like Indira Gandhi and Vishwanath Pratap Singh, and served as a close advisor to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on India’s artistic heritage.

Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s artistic vision extended far beyond his brush. As an author, he meticulously documented the philosophies and techniques that shaped Indian art. His published work, Bhartiya Chitrakala Paddhati (1985), stands as a testament to his scholarly depth, while his yet-to-be-released three-volume opus, Evolution of Art and Artist, promises a profound exploration of aesthetics and artistic transformation.

This exhibition is not just about admiring paintings; it is about witnessing the soul of a man who dedicated his life to art and philosophy. 

It is a story etched in colors, woven into textures and immortalized in every brushstroke—a legacy that continues to inspire.