Dilip Guha ★ Sasraya News : Conceptualised by Ritu Saxena, WINTER MUSE is a celebration of creativity and imagination in the season of reflection. The exhibition opens on 31st January 2026 at the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), Rafi Marg, New Delhi, and will continue through 5th February 2026.
Utsav Collective is a vibrant cultural platform committed to the promotion of art and heritage. Led by Ritu Saxena, the collective plays an active role in supporting both emerging and established artists through a wide range of initiatives, including art exhibitions, art camps, workshops, and cultural events. Known for its thoughtfully curated showcases and interactive programs, Utsav Collective fosters meaningful spaces for artistic expression, creative dialogue, and community engagement. With a mission to nurture creativity, encourage collaboration, and celebrate the richness of both contemporary and traditional art forms, the collective continues to make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape.
The show “WINTER MUSE – by Utsav Collectives: Where Winter Warms the Heart” suggests that the quiet, calm, and beauty of winter awaken creativity, reflection, and inner warmth. The curatorial vision of this show is to celebrate individual expression while creating a shared space for dialogue, reflection, and imagination.
This exhibition brings together the diverse artistic voices of thirty-two artists from Delhi NCR, reflecting many moods, memories, and emotions. Each artwork here is not just an object, but a story — a quiet conversation between the artist and the viewer.
Speaking on the occasion, Ritu Saxena explained, “The works presented move across themes of identity, nature, inner journeys, cultural roots, and contemporary life. Together, they form a collective narrative that reminds us how art connects personal experience with universal emotion. Rather than fitting into a single style or medium, this exhibition embraces difference and diversity, encouraging viewers to explore multiple perspectives. The gallery becomes a space not just to see art, but to feel, question, and discover. We invite visitors to slow down, engage deeply, and allow these works to speak to them — because every artwork reveals something new with every gaze.”
During the exhibition, several engaging activities were also conducted. An interactive session on Cubism titled “Form in Pieces”, led by eminent visual artist Manomoy Das, was held on the inauguration day. The session was graced by Ashok Bhowmik, eminent artist and author, as the Guest of Honour.
An art workshop titled “Awaken the Palette”, based on colour psychology, was conducted on 1 February 2025 by Neha Dua, a visual artist and art therapist. The Guest of Honour for the workshop was Ajay Samir, an eminent artist.
A fun-filled event, “Brush ’n’ Pass” – Live Painting Canvas Relay, was organised on 3 February 2026. The event was graced by Roop Chand, eminent artist and Founder & CEO of RCIFA, as the Guest of Honour
Workshop session “Awaken Your Colour Palette” was not merely an art session; it evolved into a soulful exploration of emotions, energy, and self-expression through the transformative power of colour psychology. Under the thoughtful guidance of art therapist Neha Dua, participants discovered how colours mirror our inner worlds — from calming blues and passionate reds to hopeful yellows and healing greens. It was inspiring to witness art becoming a bridge between feeling and expression, creating a deeply meaningful and enriching experience for everyone who took part.
Interactions with a few participating artists reflect the exhibition’s theme through their individual paintings.
Where Silence Speaks: The Art of Pooja Singhal Through Contemporary Art
Pooja Singhal has been actively engaged in the field of art and painting for the past seven years. Over this period, she has developed a distinctive visual language through consistent practice and exploration of various techniques. Her work reflects a strong dedication to craft and a growing artistic maturity, marking her steady presence in the contemporary art space.
She is a self-taught artist whose creative journey is rooted in silence, observation, and deep inner reflection. With an academic background in computer science and professional experience in the IT industry, her transition to art represents a conscious and meaningful return to a lifelong creative calling.
Her paintings explore themes of emotional presence, inner strength, and spiritual stillness, often articulated through the female form and symbolic imagery. Singhal’s work captures moments of quiet intensity—spaces where emotions are deeply felt yet expressed with subtle restraint. Through her art, she invites viewers into contemplative pauses that emphasise introspection, resilience, and inner balance.
Speaking about the art therapy session “Awaken Your Colour Palette” at the event, she said, “There was an amazing art therapy session conducted by artist Neha Dua. She explained the relationship between colours and our seven chakras through a simple, interactive exercise, which helped us understand ourselves better.”
Mousumi Bhattacharyya Highlights Women-Centric Art Practice at Utsav Art
Visual artist Mousumi Bhattacharyya, a participant at Utsav Art, shared insights into her artistic journey and creative vision, emphasising her deep commitment to emotional expression, inner strength, and social awareness through art.
Bhattacharyya said her engagement with art began at an early age and has evolved through formal training and years of dedicated practice. She works across a wide range of mediums, including acrylic, oil, watercolour, pastel, and mixed media, allowing her to explore varied textures and visual narratives. She said, “My artistic journey began at a young age and has evolved through formal education and years of dedicated practice across various mediums, including acrylic, oil, watercolour, pastel, and mixed media.”
Women remain the central focus of her work. Through figurative compositions, she portrays themes of resilience, dignity, empowerment, and emotional strength, presenting women as confident, self-aware, and dynamic individuals. Her artworks reflect contemporary social realities while maintaining an optimistic and uplifting tone.
Stylistically, Bhattacharyya blends figurative realism with expressive abstraction. Strong forms, emotive faces, symbolic imagery, and a vibrant yet balanced colour palette define her visual language. She noted that colour plays a crucial role in conveying mood—warm tones suggest vitality and confidence, while subtle contrasts add depth and introspection.
Speaking about her association with Utsav Art, Bhattacharyya expressed gratitude for the platform and opportunities provided. She has exhibited with Utsav Art on multiple occasions and described her continued participation in the exhibition Winter Muse as a meaningful experience that allows her to present her work alongside diverse contemporary artists. According to her, these exhibitions have offered valuable exposure, professional interaction, and curatorial insight, significantly enriching her creative journey.
She said, “I have had the privilege of exhibiting my work with Utsav Art on multiple occasions. My ongoing participation in the exhibition Winter Muse has been a meaningful experience, allowing me to present my artistic vision alongside diverse contemporary voices. My past associations with Utsav Art have further enriched my creative journey, offering valuable exposure, professional engagement, and curatorial insight.”
Through her artwork at the exhibition, Bhattacharyya aims to evoke emotion, inspire self-belief, and celebrate the enduring spirit of women and humanity, while contributing thoughtfully to contemporary art discourse.
Art in the Soul: Preeti Singh’s Creative Expression on Display
Preeti Singh is an accomplished art professional with a strong academic and teaching background. She studied art during her graduation and later completed a two-year diploma in Fashion Designing from YWCA, Delhi. She also holds a diploma in Art from Nest Fine Art Academy, where she currently serves as a faculty member. With over 12 years of experience, she has been conducting drawing classes from her home, nurturing creativity among aspiring artists. Deeply rooted in her upbringing, art has been an integral part of her life since childhood.
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She said, “Art has been in my soul since childhood.”Sharing her experience of participating in the exhibition, she said, “My experience at this exhibition has been truly motivating, and it has been gracefully organised.”Her two paintings are on display at the exhibition. She explained, “My first painting represents God’s creation—the beautiful peacock and the palash flower. My second painting is titled ‘Hope’, symbolising that every dark cloud has a silver lining.”
Prerna Verma: Bridging Reality and Soul Through Art
Prerna Verma’s artistic journey is marked by an uncommon and inspiring beginning, shaping her identity as an artist committed to storytelling through art.
She said, “I came from a non-artistic background, and my introduction to painting began with simple curiosity.
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“Over time, this exploration evolved into a deep personal and professional pursuit.”
Trained in management and holding an MBA degree, Verma has successfully transitioned from the corporate world to the canvas, transforming lived realities into compelling visual narratives infused with imagination and emotion.
Inspired by nature, culture, and the beauty of everyday life, Verma’s work spans landscapes, still-life compositions, and figurative themes.
She said, “My paintings are distinguished by emotional depth, meticulous detailing, and a vibrant yet balanced use of colour. Each artwork I create reflects a sense of timelessness while remaining rooted in personal experience, celebrating simplicity, tradition, and harmony with nature.”
Versatile in her approach, Verma works across multiple mediums, including acrylic, oil, and watercolour, exploring the distinct expressive possibilities each medium offers.
Speaking about the artworks on display at the show, Ms Verma said, “My painting balances strength and serenity, capturing the grandeur of nature while maintaining a peaceful, contemplative mood.”
Through her evolving body of work, Prerna Verma continues to bridge reality and soul, offering viewers moments of reflection, calm, and connection.
Featured image : WINTER MUSE– by Utsav Collectives
