Born on April 19, 1995, Nakul Sahnan is a self-taught contemporary artist from New Delhi, India. Despite being self-taught, Sahnan remains versatile in his choice of mediums and delves deeply into visual styles reminiscent of impressionism and surrealism. His artistic practice, rooted in emotion and introspection, weaves elements of abstraction with his innate connection to the natural and emotional worlds. His artistic practice, deeply rooted in emotion and introspection, combines elements of impressionism, abstraction, and surrealism. A lawyer by training, Sahnan’s journey to becoming a full-time artist is a testament to his unwavering desire to follow his creative calling. Leaving behind the structured world of law, he chose to pursue the limitless expanse of art, finding his voice through experimentation and exploration.
Sahnan’s artistic journey found a pivotal moment when he apprenticed under the celebrated artist and director Muzaffar Ali. This mentorship exposed him to a multidisciplinary approach to art, where every surface and moment held the potential for creative expression. Ali’s philosophy of art’s universality inspired Sahnan to embrace a wide array of styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to film and the written word. Sahnan’s innate curiosity and commitment to constant evolution have become hallmarks of his artistic identity.
Working in an impressionist style, Sahnan’s process is intuitive and spontaneous. He often begins without a definitive plan, allowing the piece to take shape organically through loose brushstrokes and layered textures. His connection to the natural world, developed during childhood summers spent in the mountains, informs much of his work. This connection is evident in his ability to translate the fluidity and dynamism of nature into deeply emotive compositions. Each piece serves as a dialogue between instinct, memory, and the subject at hand, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist’s inner landscape.
Sahnan’s works are as diverse as his inspirations. While his paintings explore the themes of humanity, happiness, and purpose, his influences range from the atmospheric landscapes of J.M.W. Turner to the depth and emotion of Mark Rothko’s color fields. Muzaffar Ali’s multidisciplinary approach further encouraged Sahnan to view art as a boundless realm, while music—from the blues of B.B. King to the experimental sounds of Pink Floyd—imbues his creations with rhythm and emotion.
One of Sahnan’s recent series, Hues of a Landscape (cover photo), showcases his mastery of layered abstraction. Using earthy tones and vibrant contrasts, these works evoke the changing light and textures of natural vistas. For instance, his landscapes blend abstract forms with atmospheric gradients, reflecting the tension between the ephemeral and the eternal. Another notable aspect of his work is the use of bold, unexpected elements, such as striking red accents, which interrupt the serenity of his palettes to convey movement and vitality.
Beyond the canvas, Sahnan’s creative pursuits extend to writing and filmmaking. He recently launched a blog to document his artistic journey, delving into the stories behind his works and exploring the philosophies that drive his practice. This narrative approach provides a deeper context for his art, offering a holistic view of his creative process.
Sahnan’s belief in the power of showing up and embracing curiosity is central to his approach. For him, overcoming creative blocks involves treating every moment in the studio as an opportunity to create, even if the outcome is imperfect. He views play and experimentation as vital tools, allowing him to push boundaries and expand his artistic vocabulary. When painting doesn’t flow naturally, he turns to other creative outlets—writing, editing videos, or exploring new skills—to keep his momentum alive.
Sahnan is set to debut his long-term project, Find Your Sunflower, a collection that explores themes of humanity, happiness, and purpose through a series of paintings. The exhibition will bring together works he has been developing over the past two years, offering a cohesive narrative that ties his artistic explorations to a universal quest for meaning. Additionally, he is eager to expand his repertoire by exploring sculpture and ceramics, mediums that promise to add new dimensions to his practice.
