SANJAY PANDITA
In the vibrant tapestry of Indian art, Shabir Hussain Santosh emerges as a luminous thread, weaving his distinct style and boundless creativity into a legacy that spans decades. Born in 1962 in Delhi but carrying the proud lineage of Kashmir in his veins, Shabir stands as a testament to the confluence of heritage and modernity. His artistic journey is not merely a career but a testament to an unyielding passion for painting and photography, nurtured in the fertile soil of a family devoted to creativity.
Raised amidst the hues of his father’s artistic endeavors and the symphonies of poetic expressions, Shabir was destined to carry forward this illustrious legacy. His childhood was steeped in the aesthetic disciplines of art, where every moment seemed to breathe creativity. Such an environment could have easily overshadowed an individual, but Shabir rose above it, carving out his own identity as an artist par excellence.
Shabir’s formal training in art began at the prestigious College of Art, Delhi, where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in 1986. Here, he immersed himself in the rigorous discipline of classical techniques while exploring contemporary styles. His academic pursuits were not merely about acquiring a degree; they were the forging of an artistic vision that would later enthrall the art world.

Guided by an inherent curiosity and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries, Shabir’s artistry evolved beyond conventional norms. It was during this phase that his fascination with photography blossomed. He saw the camera not merely as a device but as an extension of his soul, capable of capturing the ephemeral beauty of mountain landscapes—the shifting colors and moods that so deeply resonated with his Kashmiri heritage.
From the outset, Shabir’s works bore the hallmark of originality and boldness. His unique approach earned him numerous accolades early in his career, including the Jammu and Kashmir State Academy Annual Award in 1988 and the prestigious AIFACS Annual Exhibition Award in 1989. Over the years, he would go on to receive the Anamika Kala Ratan Award in 2003 and the KECSS Contemporary Artist Award in 2012, among others.
Each award added another layer of validation to his tireless dedication to art. But it wasn’t merely the trophies that defined his success—it was the resonance of his work in the hearts of viewers and critics alike. His paintings, characterized by lyrical lines and a masterful use of color, became synonymous with emotional depth and timelessness.
Shabir’s journey through the world of exhibitions reads like a saga of artistic triumphs. He has participated in over 100 group exhibitions, leaving an indelible mark wherever his works were displayed.
In the 1990s, Shabir hosted several solo exhibitions, including at the iconic Dhoomimal Art Centre in Delhi and the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai. His two-man show at Shridharani Art Gallery in 1995 showcased his versatility and collaborative spirit. These early exhibitions established him as a formidable presence in the Indian art scene.

His later exhibitions only solidified this reputation. Group exhibitions such as Timeless at Lalit Kala Akademi and Piramal Art Gallery in 2013, Rendering Duality at Dhoomimal Art Centre in 2013-14, and the Shuhul-Taaph series organized by KECSS between 2014 and 2016 brought his works to a broader audience.
Post-2020, Shabir’s collaborations with Art Pilgrim Gallery in Delhi became a highlight of his career. The gallery hosted several of his group exhibitions, such as Exploring Colors (2019), At the Edge of Realities (2022), and Depictions of the Divine (2024). These exhibitions displayed his evolution as an artist who seamlessly blends the contemporary with the traditional, the ephemeral with the eternal.
Internationally, his participation in platforms like the India Art Fair from 2017 to 2022 and the Mumbai Art Fair in 2024 affirmed his global appeal. His works now grace collections in India and abroad, including Germany, Japan, and Nigeria, making him a true ambassador of Indian art.
What sets Shabir apart is his fearless experimentation with color and form. Each brushstroke on his canvas is imbued with a sense of purpose, traversing eons and evoking a dreamlike quality. His use of color is both bold and harmonious, creating compositions that are as dynamic as they are contemplative.
In Shabir’s world, imagery is not bound by the constraints of time or space. Figures from myth and reality coexist, creating a dialogue that is as intriguing as it is profound. His ability to juxtapose diverse elements with subtlety and coherence makes his work a journey into the soul of art itself.
His love for photography further enriches his artistic expression. Shabir’s photographs, especially those capturing the moods of mountain landscapes, reveal a deep reverence for nature. They are more than images—they are meditations, frozen moments that speak volumes about the transient beauty of life.
Shabir’s artistic contributions extend far beyond his personal creations. He has worked on commissioned projects for esteemed organizations such as UNICEF, creating book illustrations and posters that merge art with advocacy. His involvement in such initiatives underscores his commitment to using art as a tool for social change.

As a curator and mentor for India Photo Story, a collective of storytelling photographers on Instagram, Shabir has nurtured emerging talent. His guidance has helped aspiring photographers find their voice in a competitive field, ensuring that his legacy will inspire future generations.
Despite his success, Shabir remains deeply connected to his Kashmiri roots. His art often reflects the landscapes and cultural motifs of Kashmir, celebrating its beauty while lamenting its trials. In this way, his works serve as a bridge between his personal experiences and universal themes.
Growing up in a family of artists, Shabir inherited not just talent but also a profound understanding of art’s role in shaping society. This lineage is evident in his ability to create works that are at once intimate and grand, personal and universal.
Shabir’s artistic journey has been punctuated by numerous recognitions. His works are part of prestigious collections, including those of Lalit Kala Akademi, Sahitya Kala Parishad, and Chandigarh Museum of Art. Private collectors across the globe treasure his paintings, attesting to their universal appeal.
In addition to these accolades, Shabir has been invited to participate in artist camps and collaborative projects, further cementing his status as a respected figure in the art world. His involvement in initiatives like the AIFACS Senior Artist Camp and the Shuhul-Taaph Artist Camp demonstrates his willingness to share his expertise with peers and newcomers alike.
Beyond his technical prowess, Shabir’s art carries a philosophical depth that invites viewers to reflect on their own lives. His works explore themes of time, memory, and existence, often drawing on his personal experiences and cultural heritage.
As an artist, Shabir is not content with merely creating beautiful images. He seeks to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and inspire action. This visionary approach is what sets him apart from his contemporaries and ensures that his work will remain relevant for generations to come.

Shabir Hussain Santosh is more than an artist; he is a storyteller, a philosopher, and a custodian of cultural heritage. His journey, from the vibrant lanes of Delhi to the global art stage, is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unyielding passion for his craft.
In a world that often prioritizes the transient over the timeless, Shabir’s work serves as a reminder of art’s enduring power to inspire, heal, and transform. His mastery of both painting and photography, coupled with his commitment to nurturing future talent, ensures that his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of Indian art.
As we delve into the vibrant canvases and evocative photographs of Shabir Hussain Santosh, we are not merely viewing art; we are witnessing the soul of an artist who has dedicated his life to capturing the essence of existence itself. And in every brushstroke, every captured frame, we find a world that is at once familiar and profoundly new—a world brought to life by the maestro of colors and lenses.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com