LIFE IN COLOUR

For artist Abhay Sehgal, his work serves not just as a means of self-expression, but also as a conduit for engaging in meaningful cultural conversations

- BARRY RODGERS

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