Santanu Dey’s artworks show his deep concerns for ecology, environment

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Artist Santanu Dey recently had a show Silent Spring at Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi. The show was presented by Art Incept, and mentored by Prima Kurien. There were 10 of his artworks on display, which had taken him over a year-and-a-half to complete.

“Each of my work shows deep concerns about ecology and the impact of urbanisation on environment. They speak of loss, violence, and the uneasy relationship between humans and nature,” says Dey who often uses discarded materials such as brick dust, concrete, or industrial debris to create his artworks, thereby transforming these useless pieces into paintings, drawings, and sculptures that feel both fragile and powerful.

Becoming of an artist

Born and raised in Kolkata, Dey pursued his bachelor’s degree there and later completed Master’s from the Faculty of Fine Arts, MSU Baroda.

No one in his family comes from an art background (father worked in a print house and mother a housewife), “But I always received their support to pursue art. A neighbour of mine was an idol-maker, and I often visited him to make clay toys. Those early experiences inspired me to follow this path and become a sculptor,” he says.

Art Exhibitions

Santanu has dedicated his life to fine arts, specialising in sculpture. “Making sculptures requires more time and focus, so I usually work 8–10 hours a day,” he says. “You can call me a full-time artist. Art allows me to express my thoughts and emotions through different mediums like clay and paint, and I deeply enjoy the process of creating,” he adds.

Ever since his school days, Dey has been participating in the art shows. He has exhibited widely across India, with solo exhibitions, including Unseen City in 2023, curated by Prima Kurien at Shridharani Gallery, New Delhi. He has been a consistent presence at the India Art Fair and was a part of the special exhibition Art in Residence 2024–25 at the German Embassy, New Delhi, presented in collaboration with Art Incept. His works can be seen at Mohali’s Plaksha University.

Santanu group exhibitions include Crossroads: On the Tipping Point (2024), Emergence (2024), and Hum Sab Sahmat (2022).

“In fact, I feel even online art shows are good. Through the online platforms, we can reach a much larger audience,” he says.

His Inspiration

My greatest inspiration comes is Environment. I am concerned about ecology and the environment. Through my work, I hope institutions and the younger generation reflect on the footprints we are leaving behind, and take steps to change in favour of our surroundings. I find that audiences are receptive and engaging with art and culture, and they are keen to be part of such dialogues.

Showcasing in Delhi

Delhi is a diverse city, with many different art practices and events bringing people together. This kind of environment fosters meaningful conversations and gives young minds the space to develop creatively.

Awards he won

Santanu’s practice has been recognised with multiple awards, including the Governor Gold Medal Award in 2008, the Best Sculpture Award by the Prafulla Dhanukar Art Foundation in 2017, and the Best Sculpture Award by the WB State Academy of Dance, Drama, Music & Visual Art in 2014.

 His fave pastime

I enjoy watching documentaries and films, playing cricket, and reading poetry whenever I get the chance.