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Conversations about Abhay Sehgal's art sparks debate about originality

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Piyush Singh
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Abhay Sehgal

Pointing out the use of AI and even copied art, people online have been discussing Abhay Sehgal's art. Here's what we know so far.

Abhay Sehgal, a 26-year-old surrealist painter from Delhi, has gone from being celebrated as a rising talent to becoming the centre of a major controversy. Known for his vivid, mythology-inspired canvases and collaborations with brands like Prada and Coca-Cola, Sehgal had built a reputation as a promising artist. However, with allegations of plagiarism and misuse of AI, multiple creators began posting evidence suggesting that some of Sehgal's “original” works were copied from other digital art, altered using AI, and in some cases finished with the help of assistants.

What started as whispers among artist communities turned into a viral discussion online when Instagram Reels showed side-by-side comparisons of his works with those of other creators.  They are calling out Sehgal for lifting art from platforms like Derpibooru, suggesting that he used AI tools to create variations, and then presented it as original hand-painted pieces, often selling them at exhibitions and printing them on merchandise without credit. Social media users amplified the outrage, criticising both his alleged theft and his prior post condemning AI for replacing artists, which many saw as hypocritical.

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Here's how the conversation has been like:

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Beyond the scandal itself, this Abhay Sehgal controversy also highlights a deeper tension in creative spaces today where the drive for visibility, social media fame, and commercial success often clashes with questions of originality and artistic integrity. It shows how platforms like Instagram can propel talent into the spotlight almost overnight, but at the same time make it easier for imitation to be mistaken for innovation, blurring the line between inspiration and theft. For artists, collectors, and audiences, this episode is a reminder that authenticity goes beyond technique or style and rests on trust, respect, and the often invisible labour that underpins every genuine creation.

What do you think about this whole conversation. Let us know in the comments below.

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art by Abhay Sehgal Abhay Sehgal