Santanu Hazarika: "Celebrate Your Uniqueness, Because That's What Makes Your Work Truly Yours" | Exclusive

We are back with the second part of the interview. In this part, Santanu Hazarika spills the beans about his upcoming projects. He also shares his thoughts about social media criticism.

Excerpts...

What has been your most rewarding project or collaboration so far?

Recently, some of the most enjoyable and fulfilling projects I've worked on have been with Red Bull. Designing the Rajasthan Royals team tour bus was an incredible experience, as was painting two cars for Red Bull that were later showcased as exhibition pieces.  

Photo Credit: Instagram

One of the most exciting moments, however, was my recent sneaker collaboration. As a sneakerhead, seeing my sneakers sell out in less than 30 minutes was both rewarding and surreal. For any sneaker designer or brand, a sellout release is a dream come true and experiencing that firsthand was truly eye-opening.  

Looking back, these projects stand out as some of the most memorable and gratifying experiences in my career.

How do you handle criticism of your work, especially when it challenges traditional perceptions of art?

I always welcome constructive criticism, especially from peers, industry experts, and those who have been in the field longer than I have. Feedback rooted in logic and understanding is something I actively seek and appreciate, as it helps me grow as an artist.  

However, I draw the line at criticism that lacks depth, context, or meaningful insight. Art is subjective, and different people will interpret it in different ways. Criticism is a natural part of the creative process, and as long as it comes from a place of genuine analysis rather than baseless negativity, I'm always open to it.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Which artists or movements have influenced your work the most, and how do they reflect in your pieces?

My artistic influences are deeply rooted in comic book and manga illustration. I greatly admire artists like Kentaro Miura, Eiichiro Oda, and Junji Ito, whose work has left a lasting impact on my creative style. Beyond comics, I draw inspiration from the surrealism movement, particularly Salvador Dalí, as well as the Dada movement. The raw energy of New York's graffiti and street art scene, which began as an act of rebellion, also resonates with me. Music plays an equally significant role in shaping my artistic expression. The angst and rawness of punk, heavy metal, and glam metal fuel my creative process, influencing both the themes and aesthetics of my work. This rebellious spirit is something I continue to channel into my art. If you look at my work, you'll notice a fusion of inking techniques, black-and-white manga styles, and surrealist distortions of bodies and forms. Mythology and science are also recurring elements in my pieces, as I love weaving cryptic, symbolic narratives filled with metaphors and 

irony much like the storytelling traditions that have endured across cultures and generations.

What advice would you give to young artists trying to find their unique voice in the art world today?

I'm not great at giving advice, but I can share what has worked for me. For young artists, the art world can feel overwhelming, especially as an outsider, without mentors or guidance. I've been there myself. The most important thing is to believe in your work, trust in your skills, and commit to hard work. As an artist, you'll often feel like a misfit, but that's something to embrace rather than resist. Art thrives on individuality, and standing out is not just inevitable, it's essential. Celebrate your uniqueness, because that's what makes your work truly yours.

Photo Credit: Instagram

What are your future upcoming projects?

I have a lot planned for the future. Right now, I'm focusing on personal projects and exploring new brand collaborations. I'm also working with more artists and considering launching my show something inspired by both art and meaningful conversations. By the end of the year, I hope to host an exhibition and release new design covers. On a different note, I'm currently designing underwear, which will be launching soon. That's what's on the horizon for now!