Dream Vision: Renowned Russian artist Nikas Safronov to exhibit his work in India for the first time
Russia's most renowned contemporary artist is preparing to hold two solo exhibitions in New Delhi and Mumbai. The exhibitions will strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Russia and introduce the Indian public to unique paintings created especially for them.

New Delhi, November 2025. In December 2025, India will see the work of People's Artist of Russia Nikas Safronov for the first time. His first exhibition, titled Dream Vision, will be held at the Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi from December 7 to 21, 2025. The second is scheduled for December 25, 2025, to January 15, 2026, in Mumbai. Rosneft is the official partner of the exhibitions. Both exhibitions are Nikas's gift to the Indian public: admission to the exhibitions will be completely free.
The exhibition is part of Nikas's large-scale international project, which aims to promote art as a form of "soft power" capable of transcending borders and political attitudes, uniting people regardless of cultural and ideological differences. The exhibition is becoming a diplomatic sensation — the most prominent contemporary artist from one of the world's most culturally rich countries is presenting his work as a tool for strengthening relations between India and Russia.
Nikas Safronov will bring 100 paintings to India, created in various styles: classical, symbolist, and cubist, including his signature style — Dream Vision, whose secret no one has yet unraveled. The works will be displayed in 15 different zones. In each zone, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a new world of contemporary Russian art, using artificial intelligence technologies and modern multimedia equipment to bring his paintings to life.
Nikas has prepared a new series of works especially for the Indian public, reflecting his respect for Indian history and admiration for Indian culture, religion, and mythology. The exhibition includes his reflections on India's rich cultural heritage—from the majestic Taj Mahal and spiritual Varanasi to Nikas's personal interpretations of Hindu mythology. The artist has repeatedly noted his love of Indian films and music since childhood, and his admiration for the country's aesthetics.
Nikas Safronov, People's Artist of Russia:
"It is a great honor for me to present my art in India. In a country with a rich and ancient history and culture, which has repeatedly inspired me, and which for a long time has provided food for thought and creativity for countless artists, including Russian ones. My exhibitions in New Delhi and Mumbai are my way of strengthening the bond between our peoples, of showcasing the beauty of Russia, India, and the world through my art. I am very grateful to my official partner, Rosteft, for sharing my values ​​and helping to show Indian audiences that art speaks a common, universally understood language of positive emotions, that it has the power to transcend borders and unite people."
Nikas Safronov is widely known in the West for his portraits of world celebrities and political leaders, as well as his close friendship with legendary Italian film star Sophia Loren and world cinema icon Ornella Muti. He has painted over 50 heads of state. He has also posed for Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Steven Spielberg, and many other celebrities. In February 2025, Nikas was a guest of honor at the Vatican, where he presented Pope Francis with his portrait and received the pontiff's blessing to hold exhibitions in Europe—the Vatican, Italy, and Switzerland—as well as around the world, to build cultural bridges between peoples. Furthermore, this year, Nikas's portrait of US President Donald Trump was presented to him as a gift through his special representative, Steve Witkoff.
Entry to both exhibitions is completely free for everyone—this underscores Nikas's desire to show that art can be accessible to everyone. That art lives within each of us. Nikas Safronov's exhibitions in India are an important step in promoting cultural diplomacy not only for Russia but also internationally. These exhibitions will mark the beginning of a series of major international exhibitions planned by the artist. Nikas intends to prove to the world that art builds bridges, fosters respect and understanding, celebrates the beauty of our planet, and helps people connect.

About Nikas Safronov:
People's Artist of Russia Nikas Safronov is the most famous contemporary artist in Russia. Over the past ten years, he has held more than 320 exhibitions in Russia and abroad, attracting over a million visitors annually. Nikas combines classical, symbolic, and surrealist styles in his work. He has developed his own signature style with a unique concept, which he calls "Dream Vision." Nikas is also the author of a painting that was presented to President Donald Trump through Special Representative Steven Witkoff in April 2025.


About Rosneft:
Rosneft is the flagship of the Russian oil industry and one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world. Rosneft not only reliably supplies Russia with energy resources but also implements socially significant projects. The company builds schools and hospitals, residential buildings and sports arenas, transforming the lives of entire regions.

Rosneft supports the development of mass and professional sports, as well as large-scale scientific, educational, and cultural initiatives. The Company also contributes to the development of interstate cultural dialogue. Rosneft helps thousands of people abroad better understand modern Russia and become acquainted with its vibrant creative groups and artists.

In the past two years alone, the Company's support has supported the successful tours of the Mariinsky Theatre in Qatar, the Sretensky Monastery Choir in China, and Tatyana Navka's ice show in India. This year, an exhibition of works by Nikas Safronov was held in two major Indian cities.