New Delhi-based artist Abhay Sehgal is a part of this new generation of talent that believes in open and fluid dialogue when interpreting art. Him and many others are making art more democratic and approachable, and are starting conversations with viewers, making the process more interactive. “It’s about allowing viewers to have their own opinions without shoving your idea of an artwork down their throats. When there’s room for dialogue, it’s more enjoyable,” he says.
Growing up in a family far removed from art, Sehgal never felt pressured into joining the family business and was encouraged from a young age to pursue his passion. “I was a boarding school kid. I went to St. George’s College, Mussoorie, at the age of four, then moved to The Doon School (in Dehradun). Eventually, I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Chicago. Coming from a business family, I initially gravitated towards careers that promised financial stability. I thought about launching an advertising studio or becoming a VFX artist at Disney or Marvel. Creative pursuits have always been a hobby for me, something I engaged in during school cultural fests and then set aside,” he says.
However, after graduating, COVID-19 hit, and Sehgal ended up staying in Chicago. During that time, he leaned into his art, which was something he hadn’t focused on before. “I began to find joy in it and decided to take it more seriously, leveraging my one-year work visa. That experience made me realise that I didn’t have to follow a conventional path. Next, I made Miami home and continued exploring my newfound passion,” he says. Sehgal is now back in India and is currently moving to a space in Gurugram that will serve as his home and studio.
Finding Form
Influenced by the works of Raja Ravi Varma and Salvador Dali, Sehgal’s art combines the romantic and the surreal. His solo show ‘Add to Cart,’ at Method, a gallery in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda art district, exemplified the endless possibilities art offers while addressing the commodification of our identities, and the increasingly blurred lines between who we are and what we own. It invited us to question the narratives we build through our purchases and consider the true cost of our desires.
The curation included a series of scenarios showcasing how hype culture has influenced us. From seeking validation on social media to highlighting the unsung heroes of the fashion industry, Sehgal examined important collective narratives. “I do like to ask questions about the social realities of life through my art,” he says, stating everyday life as his greatest inspiration. “Whenever I’m driving or travelling, I observe things and take pictures of what catches my eye. Architecture, especially, drives me to think about composition. When I see a structure, I start thinking about how I can incorporate its elements into my work.
The curation included a series of scenarios showcasing how hype culture has influenced us. From seeking validation on social media to highlighting the unsung heroes of the fashion industry, Sehgal examined important collective narratives. “I do like to ask questions about the social realities of life through my art,” he says, stating everyday life as his greatest inspiration. “Whenever I’m driving or travelling, I observe things and take pictures of what catches my eye. Architecture, especially, drives me to think about composition. When I see a structure, I start thinking about how I can incorporate its elements into my work.
This is where psychology comes into play—thinking about the effect of these elements on the viewer,” says Sehgal about his process. Once he has a mood board, he sketches out compositions, figuring what might work and what may not. Then, he starts to create on his iPad or laptop. “I love to play with colour, adjusting the intensity just so. This experimentation can only be done digitally first. Once I’m satisfied with the colours, I begin translating the digital draft to a physical medium,” he says.
Playing with colours digitally first allows Sehgal to be sure about the dynamic composition before committing to the final piece. About 60 per cent of his process involves this kind of digital experimentation. After that, it’s about bringing the work to life with skill and precision, ensuring the final piece matches his vision. Sehgal believes that colour is the first thing that draws an audience or any art lover in. “If the colours don’t draw them in, they won’t even give it a second glance. That’s why I pay so much attention to colours. Observing the world around me, I notice the things that catch my eye are often because of their hues. It’s no wonder people are drawn to beaches and mountains—the colour combinations are just so naturally perfect. I want my art to have that same immediate visual appeal, to pull people in and make them want to explore the composition and the story behind it.” Sehgal is drawn to mythology, emphasising inspiration over critique.
He focuses on learning and creative interpretation, while respecting its sanctity, drawing from rich narratives and symbolism to infuse his artistic vision and message. This reinterpretation aims to add new layers of meaning and relevance to ancient stories, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences.
Down To Business
And while passion drives his pursuit of art, Sehgal is mindful that he also has to create a financial ecosystem for himself if he is to thrive; after all, the business of art is an aspect of the discipline that he believes all artists should be cognisant of. And while he’s showcased at galleries and World Art, Dubai, the region’s largest affordable retail art fair that brings more than 4,000 works from over 300 international galleries and artists under one roof, Instagram has always been his bread and butter. “Galleries have also been crucial, but Instagram has given me stability in life, like a ticket. It’s a platform that’s equal for everyone worldwide. Use it, and opportunities come automatically,” he says.
Sehgal is also venturing into fashion with the launch of his clothing brand CODEBRWN®. He aims to create Indian streetwear that is both cool and authentic to the country, distinct from the Western streetwear vocabulary. “I’ve always wanted to create a streetwear brand that embodies rebellion and anarchy while celebrating cultural diversity. It will merge traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary streetwear,” he explains. His goal is for CODEBRWN® to embody an Indian artist’s perspective on street fashion, offering a unique viewpoint that resonates with Gen Z. This vision, inspired by his art, will translate personal experiences into wearable art pieces.
Read the full story on ELLE India’s new issue, or download your digital copy via Magzter.
