Project Overview
Arko, my household nickname, meaning Sun, forms the soul of this deeply personal series. Born from introspection and cosmic curiosity, it consists of 12 large oil paintings and 366 unique etching prints exploring metaphysical realms, celestial bodies, and the sun’s role across mythology, numerology, surrealism, and personal transformation. Titles like "Core", "Sungazing", and "Superstar" mirror inner revelations and universal phenomena. The evolving color palette follows seasonal light cycles — spring to winter — mirroring moods from serene to cataclysmic. A “Sun” insignia marks each piece, tying them together as one radiant narrative. I also intend to incorporate augmented reality into select pieces via the use of the Artivive app. Upon completion, I hope to present this series in a singular, immersive exhibition experience at a major art platform like the India Art Fair.
Expected Impact
I aim to bring printmaking and augmented reality to the forefront alongside my surrealist paintings, using symbolic storytelling to explore self-expression and metaphysical ideas. Through "sun", I delve into celestial phenomena, mythology, and my personal interpretations of space and identity, crafting a visual experience that inspires hope and introspection. Bit by bit, through every new art enthusiast who wants to decipher my easter eggs while appreciating my series or every educator who wish to use this series to cultivate the curiosity of students towards the joys of space, planets and art itself, my goal is to redefine Indian modernism through surreal imagery, sparking a new cultural renaissance — much like Monet’s "Impression, Sunrise" ignited Impressionism. My goals are lofty, but I wish to make such an impression that this series essentially becomes my artistic signature towards the world.
Applicant Background
My name is Abhirup Bhattacharjee, a 25-year-old surrealist artist based in Indirapuram, Delhi-NCR. I hold a BFA and MFA in Fine Arts from the College of Art, Delhi (2018–2024), specializing in Printmaking while exploring painting, sculpture, digital art, and animation. My artistic journey began in childhood and has grown into a multidisciplinary practice shaped by introspection and mythological symbolism. I draw inspiration from personal memories, cultural narratives, and urban life, using surreal imagery and symbolic storytelling to create works that invite emotional reflection and metaphysical exploration. My visual language remains distinct across mediums, and I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting at venues like India Habitat Centre, Jehangir Art Gallery, AIFACS, and the Gaiety Cultural Complex. For me, art is a mirror — sometimes whimsical, sometimes solemn — designed to provoke thought and resonate deeply with viewers' inner worlds.