MUSEUM ON THE WHEELS: PROF. SUKHVIR SANGHAL’S TIMELESS ART COMES ALIVE IN NEW DELHI

Posted on 4 November 2025:

Museum on the Wheels: Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s Timeless Art Comes Alive in New Delhi

FROM 6TH TO 12TH NOVEMBER 2025, LALIT KALA AKADEMI, NEW DELHI, HOSTS Museum on the Wheels—A SOLO EXHIBITION HONOURING THE LEGACY OF PROF. SUKHVIR SANGHAL (1914–2006), A PIONEERING FIGURE OF THE BENGAL SCHOOL.

Curated with love and insight by his granddaughter Priyam Chandra, the show features 45 rare paintings and tapestries that reflect the artist’s deep journey through India’s cultural, spiritual, and emotional landscapes.

Held at Gallery 1 & 2, Mandi House, the exhibition invites art lovers to witness a life in brushstrokes—where tradition meets timeless vision.

The upcoming exhibition Museum on the Wheels will be inaugurated by a distinguished panel including Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art; Dr. Nand Lal Thakur, Vice Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi; Dr. Alka Pande, renowned art historian and curator; and Mr. Prashant Bhushan, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and a passionate art lover.

Reflecting on the artist’s legacy, Mr. Prashant Bhushan shared, “It will be an immense pleasure to revisit this ‘museum’ of my mother’s art teacher, Shri Sukhvir Sanghal, who, in my view, was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century and among the three finest wash painters India has produced.”

Also expected at the inauguration are Rajesh Jaiswal, Dr. Stuti Singhal, Ritam Chandra, and Puneet Gera—joining in a heartfelt tribute to a master whose art continues to inspire.

Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal: A Journey Through Art and Emotion

The exhibition brings together some of Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s most celebrated series—River of Life, Phases of Life, Marriage, Arjuna as an Ideal Man, Indian Life, Ramcharit and Kashmir Landscapes—each offering a window into his rich artistic and philosophical world.

His embroidered tapestries on khadi cloth stand out as masterpieces of craft, turning humble fabric into soulful art. While known for his delicate wash paintings, Sanghal’s creative spirit embraced many forms—watercolour on wood and silk, sculpture, embroidery, and even fine art on leather. Rooted in the rasa theory of Indian aesthetics, his work speaks of deep emotion, spiritual reflection, and a timeless connection to India’s cultural soul.

Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal: A Life of Art and Patriotism

Born on July 14, 1914, in Muzaffarnagar, Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal lived a life where art and patriotism walked hand in hand. A passionate freedom fighter, he faced arrest during the Non-Cooperation Movement, even as his love for painting led him to the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Lucknow. Rising to become its Principal, he shaped generations of artists until 1973. In 1938, he founded Kala Bharti in Prayagraj—a vibrant home for Fine Arts, Classical Music, and Dance—nurturing talents like Indira Gandhi and Vishwanath Pratap Singh. Guided by A.K. Halder and Abanindranath Tagore, Sanghal’s art spoke of India’s soul, blending tradition, emotion, and deep philosophy.

Prof. Sanghal: The Artist as Thinker and Teacher

A visionary beyond the canvas, Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal was also a profound writer and thinker. His books Bhartiya Chitrakala Paddhati and Evolution of Art and Artist offer rare insights into his artistic philosophy and teaching methods.

The first volume of Evolution of Art and Artist was launched at the National Book Fair in Lucknow in September 2025 by Hon. Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In his paintings, colour and form speak in symbols—quietly exploring emotion, faith and the human journey. His art remains timeless, touching hearts across generations.

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THE FIRST VOLUME OF EVOLUTION OF ART AND ARTIST, A THOUGHTFUL WORK BY PROF. SUKHVIR SANGHAL, IS NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. THIS BOOK OFFERS A GLIMPSE INTO HIS ARTISTIC PHILOSOPHY. READERS CAN EXPLORE IT HERE AND DISCOVER THE TIMELESS WISDOM BEHIND HIS CREATIVE LEGACY.

Evolution of Art and Artist: Now Available on Amazon through this link.

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Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s legacy in Indian art was marked by national acclaim from leading art societies and a royal honour—his painting Thou Art Dust, to Dust Returnest was chosen for Emperor George V’s collection. In 1942, at Pandit Nehru’s request, he designed Indira Gandhi’s wedding invitation, earning praise across borders. Even after retirement, he continued to paint and mentor in Lucknow, nurturing creativity with a life steeped in classical music, yoga, and naturopathy—living art as a balance of body, mind, and soul.

Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal: A Legacy That Moves With Time

Even after his passing in 2006, Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal’s spirit continues to shape Indian art and education. From retrospectives by Lalit Kala Akademi to exhibitions at Lucknow Metro and tributes on his birth anniversaries, his mastery of wash painting remains celebrated. In 2022, a road near his home was named Prof. Sukhvir Sanghal Marg, honouring his lifelong contributions.