Curtain Raiser Chandigarh will once again become a vibrant hub of contemporary artistic expression as Artscapes presents the 12th Annual Women Artists’ Contemporary Art Exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16. Scheduled to open on April 25, the exhibition continues Artscapes’ enduring commitment to fostering creativity, dialogue, and inclusivity in the arts since its inception in 2011. Bringing together a diverse range of voices from across the country, the exhibition will showcase over 100 selected artworks spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and photography. Curated from more than 1000 entries received from across India as well as Greece, Turkey, Czechoslovakia, England, Poland, Russia, and Sweden., the show reflects the evolving narratives, lived experiences, and imaginative explorations of women artists working in contemporary practice today. The exhibition is further enriched by a curatorial note by Premjish Achari, noted curator and writer, offering critical insight into the conceptual framework and thematic concerns of the show. The selection process was undertaken by an esteemed jury that included Vibha Galhotra, a prominent Indian contemporary artist and recipient of the Asia Society Game Changer Award. She has also been a fellow of the Inlaks Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center, and the Asian Cultural Council, bringing a significant depth of perspective to the evaluation process. More than a conventional display, the exhibition positions itself as a platform for expression and engagement—where personal narratives intersect with broader social and cultural reflections. Through their works, participating artists offer nuanced perspectives that challenge, question, and reimagine the world around them. Artscapes, as a non-governmental initiative, has consistently championed artistic innovation while promoting equality and representation. Its annual exhibition has emerged as a significant cultural event, celebrating the contributions of women artists and encouraging meaningful conversations through visual language. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Haryana, in the presence of Smt Mitra Ghosh. Their presence underscores the growing recognition of art as a vital force in shaping a progressive and inclusive society. The exhibition will open to the public following the inaugural ceremony.




