Slow Meditation: Sahu's Philosophy of 'Purification'

We are living in an era defined by speed, within a digital system that emphasises instant satisfaction, efficiency above all, and fast iteration.

However, artist Tikendra Kumar Sahu's creative practice is like a deliberate, regressive "slow meditation".

His art is not only the creation of visual material, but also a profound exploration of philosophical concepts related to time, patience, and internal order. He names this essential process "purification".

Sada Suhagan, 2018, Tikendra Kumar Sahu

The Profound Nature of Philosophy: "Purification"

Sahu strongly believes that excellent, profound and timeless artistic concepts must develop like the growth of ancient trees or the shifting of landscapes, through a process that is "slow and gradual". He has deliberately avoided creative patterns that relied on capturing inspiration, such as fleeting moments, and pursuing a quick completion.

He believes that only through sufficient time for reflection, the natural fermentation of emotion, and the repeated clarification of thought can an artistic work evolve from a small seed into a solidly structured 'magnificent structure' that can stand the test of time. He compares this to a key life value: 'Daily small steps will eventually lead to a great achievement.'

Technique as a Manifestation of Philosophy

This philosophy, centred on 'slow', is reflected in the most extreme and intuitive expression of his unique visual language. When the audience steps in front of his paintings, they can clearly see that the image is carefully woven from countless tiny dots of colour and short, crisp lines, with almost no trace of flat, smooth, uniform colour washes.

This technique, inspired by Pointillism, has transcended its original function of combining colours with light. In his hands, it becomes both physical evidence and a visual manifesto of his philosophy of "purification" through practice. Each stroke is a focused breath; each dot a small settlement and release of emotion.

Tikendra Kumar Sahu

A Gentle Resistance to Modernity

This unique creative approach is no doubt a gentle and firm cultural resistance against modern society's concept of "efficiency above all". It is a silent yet still powerful statement: some values cannot be hastened; some depths can only be refined through the slow passage of time. Sahu's artwork becomes a different kind of space, one where time flows at a different pace from the high-speed world outside. Here, "slowness" is no longer a fault or luxury, but the necessary path to reach the purity, depth, and high quality.

Sahu's art not only allows us to visualise his world, but also to rediscover the priceless value and healing power of ancient traditions like "settling", "patience" and "gradualism" within modern life. His paintings offer a visual shelter where we can breathe freely and contemplate in peace within a world of rush.