DREAM VISION: NIKAS SAFRONOV’S SOLO EXHIBITION IN INDIA

In December 2025, New Delhi’s Lalit Kala Akademi will open its doors to Dream Vision– solo exhibition of renowned contemporary Russian artist Nikas Safronov, People’s Artist of Russia. From December 7 to 21, this landmark cultural project — supported by Rosneft Oil Company — blends art with diplomacy, celebrating creativity as a bridge between nations.

“We live in an era of creating a multipolar world, and I believe art must also become multipolar — accessible and understandable to everyone,” says renowned Nikas Safronov. “Recently, contemporary art has in some ways become ‘elite,’ out of reach for most — including out of reach for understanding. I want to change that. To create an alternative to Western cultural domination. I am certain that such initiatives contribute to building strong humanitarian ties between nations, promoting mutual understanding and unity. And modern technologies help me achieve this.”–renowned artist Nikas Safronov

Nikas Safronov, People’s Artist of Russia, is celebrated as the most famous contemporary painter in his country. In the past decade alone, he has held more than 320 exhibitions across Russia and abroad, drawing over a million visitors each year. His art blends classicism, symbolism, and surrealism, yet carries a distinct identity through his own invention — the mysterious style he calls Dream Vision.

Over the years, artist Nikas Safronov has painted more than fifty portraits of world leaders, royals, and global icons, with his works finding a place in the collections of spiritual figures and celebrated personalities across continents. By 2025, Safronov’s name has become closely linked with the idea of soft diplomacy. His private audience with Pope Francis in February brought a blessing to carry his exhibitions across Europe and the Vatican, uniting cultures through creativity. Soon after, his portrait of Donald Trump was presented to the U.S. President, further confirming his unique role at the crossroads of art and international relations.

People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, Nikas Safronov, unveils two landmark solo exhibitions in India, supported by Rosneft Oil Company. Hosted in New Delhi and Mumbai, these showcases highlight the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia, fostering cultural dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding through the universal language of art.

His mission is clear — to use art not only as expression, but as a bridge that brings nations closer together.

True to his vision of art as a universal language, Nikas Safronov has made entry to his exhibitions completely free. This gesture transforms galleries into open platforms for dialogue, allowing people everywhere to discover the richness of Russian culture and the beauty of contemporary art.

DREAM VISION: NIKAS SAFRONOV’S 100 PAINTINGS IN INDIA

Nikas Safronov has brought 100 masterpieces to India, each reflecting a different chapter of his creative journey. From classical painting to symbolism and landscapes, the exhibition reveals the evolution of his art, crowned by his mysterious signature style — Dream Vision. For the Indian audience, Safronov has prepared a special series inspired by the country’s history, culture, religion, and mythology. His canvases echo the grandeur of Indian architecture, the depth of its myths, and the spirit of its sacred places.

At the heart of the exhibition lies a bold concept — the union of tradition and technology. With artificial intelligence and multimedia tools breathing life into the paintings, visitors are invited to step into a new dimension of contemporary Russian art, where emotions become a universal language and cultural codes unfold in vivid clarity.

DREAM VISION: TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY IN NIKAS SAFRONOV’S ART

For Nikas Safronov, artificial intelligence is not a passing trend but a true partner in creation. His exhibition unfolds across 15 thematic zones, each revealing a different facet of his artistry. Technology here does not replace the painter’s hand — it amplifies it. It highlights details, animates compositions, and draws viewers into the canvas, making them feel as though they are inside the artwork itself.

The journey begins with classical painting and gradually moves into digital innovation. Visitors witness how familiar art transforms, expands its boundaries, and enters new formats without losing its soul. This harmony of tradition and modernity turns the exhibition into a living dialogue, where the audience is no longer passive but becomes part of the creative process.

Sound plays its own role in this immersive experience. A specially designed spatial audio system surrounds visitors, guiding their attention and deepening the emotional impact of each piece. The music of the exhibition strengthens meaning, reaching directly to the heart.

His vision is to break barriers, to move art beyond elitism, and to offer an alternative to Western cultural dominance. By blending timeless techniques with modern innovation, he seeks to build bridges of understanding, strengthen humanitarian ties, and inspire unity across nations.

“It is a great honor for me to present my art in India — a country with an ancient and rich culture that has inspired me for years,” says Safronov.

“Through my exhibitions in New Delhi and Mumbai, I wish to strengthen the bond between our peoples and show that art speaks a universal language of emotion, capable of crossing borders and uniting humanity.”

ROSNEFT AND NIKAS SAFRONOV: ART AS A BRIDGE OF CULTURES

Rosneft’s support for Nikas Safronov’s exhibitions in India reflects its vision of shaping Russia’s image abroad not only through economics, but through culture. The company has long been active in humanitarian cooperation, with successful projects such as the Mariinsky Theatre tour in Qatar, the Sretensky Monastery Choir in China, and the ice show in India. Safronov’s exhibition now becomes another meaningful link in this chain, strengthening the perception of contemporary Russia worldwide.

Launching this large-scale exhibition program in India is a carefully chosen step. It highlights the shift toward a multipolar world, where nations connect through shared creativity and dialogue. Russia here is shown not only as a supplier of resources, but as a supplier of art — a generator of cultural codes and a bridge between civilizations. Through Safronov’s vision, stereotypes are challenged, respect is deepened, and mutual understanding grows stronger.

ABOUT ROSNEFT: ENERGY AND CULTURE UNITED

Rosneft stands as the flagship of Russia’s oil industry and one of the largest energy companies in the world. Beyond providing reliable resources, the company invests deeply in projects that transform lives — building schools, hospitals, homes, and sports arenas that uplift entire regions.

Rosneft’s vision extends far beyond economics. It actively supports sports, science, education, and culture, helping create bridges of understanding between nations. Through its initiatives, thousands of people abroad gain a clearer view of modern Russia and discover its rich artistic and creative traditions.

In recent years, Rosneft has brought Russian culture to global audiences with remarkable success — from the Mariinsky Theatre’s tour in Qatar to the Sretensky Monastery Choir in China, and Tatiana Navka’s ice show in India. In 2025, the company continues this mission by supporting the exhibitions of Nikas Safronov in New Delhi and Mumbai, strengthening cultural dialogue and showcasing Russia’s creative spirit on the world stage.