Sanya Malik Celebrates Alternative Indian Art Beyond The Canvas

With a keen eye for art that defies the predictable path, Sanya Malik dares to break the mould and reimagine the boundaries of creativity and expression. The Delhi-based art curator and dealer founded Black Cube, an alternative gallery born as a bold antidote to the traditional and often sterile "white cube" spaces. In an interview with SheThePeople, Malik reflected on her passion for art and her commitment to fostering a dynamic platform where creativity flourishes in a more personal and impactful way.

Journey In Art

Sanya Malik was immersed in the world of art from a young age, growing up around some of India's renowned artists like Himmat Shah and Krishen Khanna. "Art was always a natural path for me, and when it came to pursuing higher education, I knew it was the field I wanted to dedicate myself to," she said.

Malik pursued a Bachelor's in Criticism and Curation of Art from Central Saint Martins, London, followed by a Master's in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art. She has experience across many facets of the industry including street art organisations, art fairs, and art foundations.

Being surrounded by art has been a cathartic experience and a great source of inspiration for Malik. "I find a deep sense of belonging when surrounded by art. I vividly remember the first time I was profoundly moved by a piece—sitting in front of a large Rothko at Tate Modern, I was struck by its emotional power."

Malik also described how certain pieces have intensely impacted her. "Another memorable experience was the Rain Room at the Barbican Centre, which sparked my interest in creating immersive, interactive art experiences. Recently, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi’s anthropomorphic figures have left a strong impression on me; his exploration of the dichotomies of human existence reflects the complexities and contradictions of human behaviour in contemporary society."

Founding Black Cube

Black Cube was launched in 2018 as a "shared platform for both established and emerging artists, fostering interaction and accessibility within a more inclusive environment." Malik detailed that it is a culmination of years of dedicated nurturing, conceived to bridge a gap in the Indian art landscape.

"As a viewer, I often felt there was an invisible boundary between the public and the art world—something exclusive about traditional white-cube galleries, auction houses, and museums. I wanted to create a space where these boundaries could be dismantled, making art more accessible and welcoming to all," she expressed.

Malik's curatorial approach is fluid and evolves with each exhibition. She emphasises that her work is shaped by the unique characteristics and themes of the art being presented. "Narrative is crucial; the curation must honour the artist’s vision and highlight the conceptual depth of their work," she noted.

"I view curation as a process of bringing the artist’s story to life, serving as a conduit for their narrative," Malik said. "The small details within an exhibition are key, and if the display allows viewers to engage with the artist’s practice and form a connection with their thought process, I consider it a success."

On Indian Art Sensibilities

Once known as a male-dominated space, art curation and dealing are witnessing a revolution as more women in India are emerging as influential leaders. Young talents like Sanya Malik are at the forefront of this change, reshaping the narrative and bringing diverse and inclusive perspectives to the industry.

"It's encouraging to see so many successful galleries across India led by women, many of whom I admire for their resilience and contributions in elevating Indian art to a global stage. Beyond gender, there is also a gap in terms of age and experience—newer galleries often take time to build trust and establish themselves. In this industry, relationships with clients and artists are highly personal and trust-based, so it’s essential for young gallerists to cultivate long-term, meaningful connections."

Malik described the current Indian art landscape as an interplay between cultural heritage and evolving creativity. "The Indian art market is at an exciting juncture. While there’s always been a strong demand for modern art rooted in Indian culture, there’s now a growing interest in cutting-edge contemporary work."

She shared that there is a growing demand for cutting-edge contemporary work which continues to be deeply influenced by India's rich cultural heritage. Moreover, she also said that many artists are experimenting with new mediums and infusing their practices with political and societal commentary.

Malik also spoke about how the art community in India is building initiatives and providing grants to support emerging talents. "At Black Cube, we see it as our responsibility not only to exhibit artists but to partner with them, supporting their growth at every stage and helping them reach their full potential."

Sanya Malik has emerged as an indomitable force in redefining the landscape of contemporary art in India. Through her unique gallery, she is not only shaping the careers of individual artists but also contributing to a broader culture that connects India’s historical sentiments with its modern expressions.