Emergence of Perception

In contemporary art contexts, we often discuss creative forms, dramatic styles and market preferences, but rarely reach the most fundamental question:

Why do artists choose to create? 

For artist Tikendra Kumar Sahu, the answer does not lie within a career choice, but rather in a deep internal desire. A state he describes as being “art sick”.

The most profoundly moving works in art history often originate not only from grand narratives or complex philosophical concepts, but also from an artist's profound contemplation of everyday scenes and his remarkable ability to transform them through the imagination and perception.

Curated by Li Yu this exhibition invites viewers on the gentle visual journey to rediscover that:

Life's depth does not lie in grand narratives, but quietly emerges within those most subtle but authentic moments of daily existence.

About the Artist

Tikendra Kumar Sahu is an Indian artist whose watercolour practice transforms everyday observations into quiet, reflective visual narratives. Working primarily on Fabriano paper, he builds each image through delicate strokes and minor marks that evoke memory, emotion, and the sensory atmosphere of daily life.

His paintings draw from cultural habits, human behaviour, and environmental impressions, connecting contemporary experience with long-standing artistic and philosophical traditions.

Project Significance

We often chase big, memorable moments, but the truth is that our lives are shaped by the small, everyday ones we barely notice — the break in the afternoon, the shifting light, the feeling of air on our faces.

“The Emergence of Perception” is an exhibition built around a simple question: How do these small, almost invisible moments influence how we feel and how we understand the world?

Instead of focusing on grand ideas and moments, this exhibition takes our attention back to the body, to what we sense before we even begin to think. Our skin, our eyes, our breath, our ears… all of these become our first points of connection with the world.

These subtle, physical moments of perception are where our relationship with our surroundings truly begins.