Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik, the sand sculpting sensation from Odisha, has etched India’s presence at the illustrious 18th Contemporary Venice 2026 exhibition. As the only Indian participant among 80 artists from over 30 countries, he showcased at Palazzo Albrizzi-Cappello, courtesy of ItsLiquid Group and ACEIT Venice, curated by Luca Curci.
For the first time internationally, Pattnaik presented his ‘Jugalbadi’ series—innovative paintings merging raw sand with paints on canvas. Symbolizing his artistic odyssey, from novice brush strokes to colossal sand wonders, these works explore nature’s splendor, emotional depths, environmental harmony, and humanity’s pact with Earth.
In the past half-decade, this mixed-media evolution has captivated audiences at galleries in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi, blending sand’s fleeting magic with canvas permanence.
Opening night accolades poured in from viewers, artists, Curci, and ItsLiquid directors, who hailed the ‘Jugalbadi’ ingenuity. Pattnaik’s art masterfully links nature’s grace to human duty, positioning creativity as a beacon for green awareness, cultural fusion, and planetary care.
Renowned for Neeladri Beach creations in Puri, Pattnaik’s portfolio includes last year’s Guinness record for the largest Santa Claus sand art during Christmas.
Pattnaik’s solo Venetian feat spotlights how traditional sand art can evolve into sophisticated global statements, inspiring eco-art movements and cross-cultural appreciation.