In the enigmatic tapestry of contemporary Indian art, one name gleams like a hidden gem, with a
brilliance that’s as elusive as it is captivating—Santanu Hazarika. Hailing from the enchanting
landscapes of Guwahati, Assam, Hazarika is no ordinary artist. He’s a multidisciplinary
autodidact, a visual sorcerer, a mysterious doodler, and a maestro of the unexpected, all wrapped
in one enigmatic persona, calling the bustling streets of Mumbai home.
A Journey Unveiled Through Shadows
Hazarika’s ascent to artistic stardom is nothing short of a thrilling roller coaster ride through the
shadows of creativity. In his formative years, young Santanu found his muse in the pixels of Atari
video games and the ink-stained pages of second-hand comic books. He wielded his artistic
prowess to craft captivating visuals, even selling his creations to school friends, all in pursuit of
his artistic dreams. His fascination extended to the album art of legendary heavy metal bands like
Slipknot, Metallica, Megadeth, and Cannibal Corpse, inspiring him to dive headfirst into the art of
doodling.
As fate would have it, Hazarika became a vital part of Guwahati’s underground music scene,
designing iconic album covers for the very musicians who once fueled his artistic passion.
A Gambler’s Leap Into the Abyss
In a daring move, Hazarika took a life-altering gamble, bidding farewell to a promising mechanical
engineering career to embrace art with unbridled passion. In a world where art knowledge was
scarce and mentors were a rarity, he charted his own course, with doodling as his North Star. His
journey reached a crescendo when he emerged as the first-ever Red Bull Doodle Art Champion in
2014, a feat achieved through sheer talent and a touch of destiny. Overcoming more than 32,000
artists from across the globe, he clinched the coveted title, leading to a groundbreaking contract
with Red Bull International.
Hazarika attributes a monumental shift in his life to that fateful victory, opening doors to a full-
time career in art and a canvas filled with boundless opportunities.
The International Canvas of Hazarika’s Imagination
From that pivotal moment, Hazarika’s art transcended borders and garnered international
acclaim. What began as an escape from the rigors of Indian schooling blossomed into
collaborations with renowned brands, including Red Bull International, Adidas, Reebok, Levis,
Volvo, Porsche, Dust of Gods, Chivas, Dewars, Harper’s, Metropolis Asia, NDTV, the Ministry of
Culture, Gully Gang, and Azadi Records, among others. His artistic touch also breathed life into
the visual identities of musicians like Ritviz, hip-hop sensations Divine and Raftaar, and
collaborations with Nucleya, Major Lazer, and countless more.
Notably, Hazarika played a pioneering role in India’s NFT revolution, with a collaborative NFT
release alongside Ritviz setting records by selling out in an astonishing 37 seconds, a testament
to his enigmatic appeal.
The Noir Artistry of Hazarika
Santanu Hazarika’s art defies categorization, transcending styles and mediums, with black as his
chosen palette. He dares to reimagine conventional surfaces, turning showroom walls, sneakers,
cars, music albums, cricket teams, and fashion labels into canvases for his dark and mystic
creations.
His art is an exploration of surreal realms, weaving intricate elements drawn from his
observations of the world around him. His inspirations are a melange of Hindu mythology, the
whimsical world of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, and the visionary designs of video-game
conceptualizer Hideta Miyazaki. Hazarika’s work delves into profound themes, from social causes
and the human psyche to the tapestry of emotions and the vibrant tapestry of pop culture.
The Ever-Evolving Dreamer
What propels Santanu Hazarika is an insatiable hunger to create, a relentless desire to share, and
an unwavering commitment to etch an everlasting imprint upon the world’s canvas. His artistic
pilgrimage has taken him across the globe, curating and displaying art and even conducting
workshops in the heart of Siberia. He stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a self-
taught, independent artist who refuses to unlearn the methods that make his art uniquely his
own.
In the shadowy world of art, Santanu Hazarika stands as a luminous enigma, an artist who thrives
on mystery, defies conventions, and transforms every canvas into a portal to the extraordinary.
His art beckons, mystifies, and leaves an indelible mark on the soul, forever etching him into the
annals of India’s modern artistic elite.
Recognitions: The trail of stardust
Hazarika’s artistic journey is paved with the stardust of recognition, a testament to his undeniable
impact on the world of art and design. While building a legacy beloved by fashion enthusiasts and
trendsetters alike, Santanu has won the hearts of many for his work and style alike. His accolades
include:
- The Government of Assam (award) for contributions to the field of art
- Awards and Recognition by Mr. Lalit Kala Akademi, Ministry of Culture, India for
representing and uplifting art and culture from North East India - Red Bull Doodle Art World Champion 2014
- Celebrated 3 times by TEDx as a Speaker
- GQ’s best dressed
- Verve magazine fresh list 2015
- Guest lecturer across multiple esteemed universities such as IIT Varanasi, IIT Delhi, NIFT
Bangalore, Dibrugarh University ( to name a few) - Guest of honour/guest lecturer to forum RITM, Government of Russia
Short Bio (100 words for on stage announcements):
Santanu Hazarika: The Enigmatic Art Visionary
Santanu Hazarika, a luminary in the contemporary Indian art scene, hails from the mesmerising
landscapes of Guwahati, Assam. He’s a self-taught artist, a master of multidisciplinary creativity,
and a maestro of the enigmatic. Hazarika’s journey from obscure beginnings to international
acclaim is marked by his insatiable hunger for innovation and his refusal to conform to artistic
norms. He has ventured across the globe, curating and displaying his art, from Mumbai’s bustling
streets to the remote corners of Siberia.
Having collaborated with renowned brands such as Red Bull International, Adidas, Reebok, Levis,
Volvo, Porsche, Dust of Gods, Chivas, Dewars, Harper’s, and more, Hazarika’s artistry transcends
boundaries. In the realm of surreal art, he shines as an enigmatic beacon, beckoning all to explore
his mysterious and captivating creations, each canvas a portal to the extraordinary.
