In a proud moment for Indian art, Padma Shri awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has taken center stage at the 18th edition of Contemporary Venice 2026. Held at Palazzo Albrizzi-Cappello in Venice, this prestigious exhibition organized by ItsLiquid Group in collaboration with ACEIT Venice—the Italian-German Cultural Association—features works from nearly 80 artists across over 30 countries. Pattnaik stands out as the sole representative from India.
Curated by Luca Curci, the event showcases a vibrant tapestry of global creativity. Pattnaik debuted his captivating ‘Jugalbadi’ series, a groundbreaking fusion of natural sand and pigments on canvas. These mixed-media paintings trace his artistic evolution, from early hobbies in painting to his worldwide fame with monumental sand sculptures.
The ‘Jugalbadi’ works delve into profound themes: the harmony between nature and human emotions, environmental equilibrium, and the symbiotic bond between humanity and Earth. Over the past five years, Pattnaik has pioneered this sand-paint hybrid technique, blending the ephemeral essence of sand with the permanence of canvas. Recent shows in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi have drawn rave reviews from art enthusiasts.
At the opening ceremony, Pattnaik’s pieces captivated audiences and fellow international artists alike. Curator Luca Curci and ItsLiquid Group’s director lavished praise on the innovative ‘Jugalbadi’ collection. Through these creations, Pattnaik conveys a powerful message: nature’s beauty is inextricably linked to our responsibilities as stewards of the planet.
His art serves as a clarion call, urging viewers to embrace creativity as a tool for environmental awareness, cultural unity, and global accountability. Based in Puri, Odisha, Pattnaik is famed for his beachside sand artworks at Neeladri Beach. Last Christmas, he etched his name in history by crafting the world’s largest Santa Claus sand sculpture, clinching a new Guinness World Record.
Pattnaik’s Venice triumph not only elevates Indian contemporary art on the global map but also inspires a new generation to explore the intersections of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in artistic expression.