The Fragmented Identity of an Indian-American Artist

Sangram Majumdar is an artist known for navigating the complex interplay of identity, culture, and memory through his paintings. Born in India, Majumdar moved to the United States at a young age, positioning him between two distinct cultures. This unique perspective is central to his artistic exploration, as evidenced in his latest exhibition, “The Sleep of Reason,” at Nathalie Karg Gallery.

Majumdar’s work is characterized by a fusion of cultural imagery, drawing from diverse sources like Western art, Persian miniatures, Indian folk art, and mass media. His pieces convey a state of in-betweenness, reflecting his own experiences as neither fully at home nor entirely foreign in both Indian and American cultures. The exhibition features 13 oil paintings and one wall drawing, created from 2022 to 2025, showcasing his evolution in style and thematic focus.

Over the years, Majumdar has shifted from observational painting to a more layered and abstract approach, mirroring his internal state and the constant negotiation between personal and political identity. Works such as “The Meeting” and “Collaborators I” exemplify this transition, depicting figures in fragmented, dream-like spaces that challenge the viewer’s perception and understanding.

Majumdar’s art is not only a reflection of his personal journey but also a commentary on the broader conversations around identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. He invites us to contemplate visibility, connection, and the complexities of navigating a dual identity, making his work resonate on both a personal and universal level. Through his paintings, Majumdar continues to explore the roads and territories of identity, offering a fresh perspective on the intersections of art and reality.