ARTSCAPES
A non-profit, non-government organisation
Artscapes is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, founded in 2011, dedicated to fostering creativity and amplifying women’s voices in the visual arts. Since its inception, Artscapes has emerged as a pioneering force in India’s contemporary art landscape, committed to dismantling gender barriers and providing women artists with a vital platform to experiment, express, and gain recognition. Its flagship initiative, the Annual Women Artists’ Art Exhibition, launched in 2012, has grown into a landmark event on India’s art calendar, bringing together diverse practices from across the country where contemporary, folk, and experimental works coexist and converse. Over the years, the exhibition has become a much-anticipated forum for dialogue, innovation, and recognition, supported by eminent juries and offering both creative visibility and encouragement to women artists. Beyond exhibitions, Artscapes enriches the cultural ecosystem through workshops, seminars, art camps, and public talks that nurture emerging talent, foster creative exchange, and make art more accessible to communities across regions. Guided by the belief that art transcends boundaries of gender, class, culture, and social norms, Artscapes has consistently championed inclusivity and collaboration, while encouraging experimentation and cultural exchange. In recognition of its contribution to art and culture, Artscapes was honored with a State Award by His Excellency Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, on Independence Day 2026. Today, Artscapes continues to shape India’s contemporary art landscape by inspiring artists and audiences alike, cultivating future generations of creative talent, and advancing the vital conversation about the role of women in the evolution of art.
OUR PROMOTERS
Suraj Mukhi Sharma
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Panjab University
An alumnus of the Government College of Art, Sector 10, Chandigarh, he has been connected with the art scene for two decades now – from a young student of the fine arts to his current role as the CEO of a creative agency and as part of the institutional art management scene. The company he heads, Degraphics – a forerunner in the contemporary advertising and promotions arena – is the main source of funding and consultancy for ARTSCAPES.
Suraj has gradually worked towards making art more accessible, more widespread and the world of art better organised. He is a founder member of Kala Maitri – an initiative of the GCA alumni. He is also an ex-member (2008-2012) of the General Council of the Lalit Kala Academy – the National Academy of Art – established at New Delhi in 1954 by Government of India to promote and propagate understanding of Indian art, both within and outside the country and a member of Board of Studies in Fine Arts, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Having engaged at the regional, national and international arenas in art promotion at the institutional level, Suraj believes that a similar initiative must exist in the sphere of private enterprises. ARTSCAPES fills that long felt gap and promises to bridge the gap between art and its lovers. It aspires to bring the creators and patrons of art face to face through various initiatives in several dimensions of art space.
An alumnus of the Government College of Art, Sector 10, Chandigarh, he has been connected with the art scene for two decades now – from a young student of the fine arts to his current role as the CEO of a creative agency and as part of the institutional art management scene. The company he heads, Degraphics – a forerunner in the contemporary advertising and promotions arena – is the main source of funding and consultancy for ARTSCAPES.
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An ardent art lover, she desires to carve a niche into the developing art scene of today. A Masters in English Literature and a post graduate in Mass Communication, she brings in just the right mix of skill and sensibility necessary to act as a bridge between the art and those who value art as connoisseurs or quiet simply lovers of art. Her vast experience as a PR professional helps in presenting and promoting art of a wide range of promising and established artists.
Simrat Sharma
Masters in English, Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication, Panjab University
Simrat Sharma
Masters in English, Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication, Panjab University
An ardent art lover, she desires to carve a niche into the developing art scene of today. A Masters in English Literature and a post graduate in Mass Communication, she brings in just the right mix of skill and sensibility necessary to act as a bridge between the art and those who value art as connoisseurs or quiet simply lovers of art. Her vast experience as a PR professional helps in presenting and promoting art of a wide range of promising and established artists.
Anjali S Aggarwal
Master of Fine Arts, Aurangabad University – Honorary Coordinator
With over a decade in the contemporary art, Anjali Aggarwal began her tryst with art winning several accolades at the national and local levels. After her professional degree in Fine Art, she has regularly been a part of various International and National art exhibitions, workshops and events. An artist of high repute, her faith in divine reflects in her creative works making them enigmatic and soul stirring. She selects forms from nature and infuses life into them with much ease. She has a strong understanding and experience in both management and art as she has worked professionally as an Art Director with leading corporate companies of India. She works as an Assistant Professor in Government College of Art, Chandigarh. She provides her expertise in the various events and activities for the promotion of art at ARTSCAPES.
With over a decade in the contemporary art, Anjali Aggarwal began her tryst with art winning several accolades at the national and local levels. After her professional degree in Fine Art, she has regularly been a part of various International and National art exhibitions, workshops and events. An artist of high repute, her faith in divine reflects in her creative works making them enigmatic and soul stirring.
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ADVISORY BOARD
Prof. D S Kapoor
Founder & Officer on Special Duty
National Institute of Design, Kurukshetra
Former Principal, Government College of Art,Chandigarh
Former Dean, State University of Performing and Visual Arts,Rohtak
Jatin Gandhi
Journalist, Artist & Author
Based at New Delhi
Dr. Dyal Partap Singh Randhawa, Advocate
President, Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association
Member Senate & Syndicate
Panjab University, Chandigarh
Sanjay Kumar
Assistant Professor
Department of Visual Arts, MDU, Rohtak
Harendra
Architect
An Alumnus of CCA Chandigarh
TESTIMONIALS
This catalogue documents the contemporary paintings, print, photos and watercolors of a collection of Indian and Canadian artists pulled together by Artscapes an active NGO in Chandigarh. Artscapes, the creation of Ms. Simrat Sharma and Mr. Suraj Mukhi Sharma, work tirelessly to bring sustenance to the insatiable Chandigarhian art appetite. The work include 42 artists and feature work in different media; pastels, drawings, photographs and prints. The 12 Canadian artists included in the exhibit come from across Canada and offer some intriguing representation of Canadian Landscapes including some winter photos that I Confess make me nostalgic. The works here capture a wide array of expression captured in portraits. There are a host of national and international accolades that have been awarded to the artist in the exhibition.
The Indian artists bring a tantalizing collection of traditional, modern and abstract Indian images and represent well the creative depth of India. The artist themselves are from all the corners of India and Canada. I am sure you will enjoy the Exhibit and the catalogue will allow you take the image home to show others. I wish the organizers and artists all the best with this and future shows.
I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation for the excellent work done by your NGO, Artscapes. Confluence-an art exhibition of artist from India & Canada, Perhaps first of its kind in the city, surely rejuvenated the interest and appreciation of art amongst the city residents, The diverse and rich exhibit of the participants from both the countries was indeed a treat for the connoisseur of art. Kindly convey my appreciation to your team members and also to all the artists who participated in this marquee of art and made it a success. I once again congratulate Artscapes-an NGO for promoting art for organizing such a marvelous confluence and wish for success in time to come.
Congratulation ARTSCAPES! Indeed a commendable effort Simrat, and your NGO, ARTSCAPES, deserve all the adulation for satiating the love for art in the city. It was my privilege to be a part of this exhibition and was awed by your initiative of bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds not only within India, but also from the foreign shores-Australia. Your diligent efforts over the period of time have borne rich fruits; as is discernible from the encouraging response. I wish Artscapes all the best in the future endeavors also.
OUR SPONSORS
