Sonika Agarwal's 'What Remains Awake' Exhibition Previews in New Delhi
The preview of the solo exhibition What Remains Awake: Dream, Depth & the Fourth (Jagrat · Swapna · Sushupti · Turiya) by artist Sonika Agarwal was successfully held on Friday, 30 January 2026, at the prestigious Kalamkar Gallery located within Bikaner House, New Delhi. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of artists, curators, collectors, and prominent members of the cultural community, marking a significant moment in the contemporary art scene.
Distinguished Guests and Curatorial Vision
The opening ceremony was graced by Uma Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Gallery, who served as the chief guest, alongside Mahishini Colonne, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, who attended as the special guest. Their presence underscored the exhibition's cultural importance and international appeal.
Curated under the expert guidance of Myna Mukherjee, the exhibition draws profound inspiration from the four classical states of consciousness: waking (Jagrat), dreaming (Swapna), deep sleep (Sushupti), and the transcendent fourth state (Turiya). This thematic foundation allows Agarwal to explore intricate inner worlds, heightened awareness, and the liminal, often elusive space that exists between waking and dreaming states.
Artist Profile and International Acclaim
Sonika Agarwal is a self-taught artist with an impressive career spanning over seventeen years of dedicated practice. She has exhibited her work extensively across India and on international platforms, earning critical acclaim and a solid reputation in the art world. Her accolades include the prestigious National Stree Shakti Award, presented by the President of India, recognizing her contributions and artistic excellence.
In a notable achievement, a curated selection of works from this significant body of practice has recently been acquired by the Museum of Sacred Arts (MoSA) in Belgium. This acquisition represents a major milestone, marking substantial international recognition and validation of Agarwal's artistic vision and the depth of her exploration into consciousness and spirituality.
Exhibition Experience and Attendees
The preview event was attended by numerous luminaries from the art and cultural community, including Anandmoy Bannerjee, Shridhar Iyyer, Nasir Abdullah, and Kavita Nayyer, among others. Their participation highlighted the exhibition's relevance and the high regard for Agarwal's work within artistic circles.
What Remains Awake is designed to be more than a visual display; it invites viewers to engage deeply, moving beyond mere observation. The exhibition encourages profound reflection on themes of perception, the power of silence, and the essence of stillness, offering a meditative and introspective experience that resonates with the core themes of consciousness explored in the artworks.
The exhibition stands as a testament to Sonika Agarwal's evolving artistic journey and her ability to translate complex philosophical concepts into compelling visual narratives, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in the intersections of art, psychology, and spirituality.
