Master Strokes 2026: a celebration of artistic mastery and introspection

The eighth edition of Master Strokes, curated by Kishore Labar, is currently underway at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, bringing together thirty-six accomplished artists from across the country. The exhibition presents a diverse range of works shaped by years of artistic discipline, personal exploration and evolving creative vision.

Positioned as a reflection on authenticity in contemporary art, Master Strokes 2026 foregrounds the idea of the canvas as a space of revelation, where artists articulate emotions, thoughts and lived experiences through colour, form and texture. Each artwork emerges from introspection rather than imitation, emphasising individuality, depth and expressive clarity.

The exhibition brings into dialogue multiple artistic approaches, spanning narrative expression, symbolic imagery and conceptual inquiry. Through a carefully curated selection of one to four works per artist, the show maps varied artistic journeys, highlighting the emotional intensity and originality that define mature artistic practice.

Participating artists include Anamika Rastogi, Ambika K V, Aneeta Saha, Pranav Kumar Saha, Ayesha Lumba, Bishwaranjan Sinha, Charul Aggarwal, Deeksha Bajaj, Dr Shipra Bhatia, Dr Surabhi Mohanty, Deepali Sharma, Jatin Chaudhary, Jyotica Sikand, Kumud Grover, Kuldeep Tiwari, Madhulika Jha, Mahendera Rai, Mrinmoy Barua, Manju Narain, Mohit Jangra, Mohini Narain, Navita Kaushik, Poornima Dayal, Piyush Mathur, Rajan Kumar Choudhary, Ritu Goel, Ritu Kwatra, Renu Umrao, Shashi Lata, Sneha Roy, Shivraj, Satvik Sharma, Sonam Bhandari, Shama Badhwar, Vijay Pal, Bhavya Sagar, Pooja Kapoor Gehani and Suneeti Mohanty Willock.

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Themes of introspection, transformation and the complexities of contemporary life surface across the works, inviting viewers to engage with visual language as a means of reflection. The exhibition also celebrates artistic diversity, presenting a layered experience shaped by different materials, techniques and aesthetic sensibilities.

Conceived as a collaborative exchange between curator, artists and viewers, Master Strokes extends beyond a conventional exhibition format, becoming a shared space where creation, curation and engagement intersect.

When: February 16 to 20; 11 AM to 8 PM daily

Where: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi