Nagpur’s art community gathered in full spirit on Sunday evening as Mahakalpa Artist Academy organised Women’s Palette 3, a vibrant art exhibition celebrating the female creative voice, at the iconic Rangayan auditorium, Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines. Organised in collaboration with Chitnavis Centre for Culture and Human Resource Development, and supported by Shakuntala, the Central India Kidney Foundation, Mangalsutra and Creations, and the College of Light & Design, the inauguration was held, fittingly, on International Women’s Day itself. Eminent artist Sachin Jaltare of Hyderabad inaugurated the exhibition before an enthusiastic gathering of artists, collectors, students and art lovers. The event was graced by Dr Shivnarayan Acharya, Consultant Nephrologist, as chief guest, and Mangla Bai Maravi, celebrated Baiga Godna Artist from Madhya Pradesh, as guest of honour.

 

Following the inauguration, Jaltare delivered a spellbinding live painting demonstration. Before a captivated audience, he created a work titled ‘Durga’, explaining that the image symbolises femininity and celebrates the strength and spirit of women. His brushstrokes, bold, intuitive, alive, turned a blank canvas into a haunting, expressive portrait in real time. The live demonstration tradition continues on March 9, when Rashmi Shelwat of Mumbai will present her own live painting and portrait demonstration. Among the most moving works on display was ‘The Mother’, an acrylic on canvas by Yasmin Qureshi. Her father, Rashid Qureshi, shared the deeply personal story behind the work: Yasmin has been deaf and mute since birth, and painting is her only means of communicating with the world. Through her canvas, she expressed the idea of women as a powerful bridge between the spiritual and physical realms. Another work that drew contemplation was ‘Unseen Devotion’ by Chamini Weerasooriya, a nuanced portrayal of the devotion and dedication of a woman who gives herself completely to every responsibility and role in life. Beyond these standout works, the exhibition was rich with creative expression. Paintings explored feminine strength, spiritual journeys, transformation, mythology and cultural symbolism.

 

Works depicting devotion and reflection stood beside bold abstractions of movement and inner awakening. Some artists turned to nature, forests, landscapes, rivers, to explore the bond between women and the living world, while others rendered scenes of conversation, introspection, and divine imagery, including Lord Ganesha and other spiritual motifs. The diversity of mediums was equally striking, with artists employing acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, mixed media, pen drawings and jute art across the exhibition floor.

 

The evening also celebrated excellence with prizes awarded across three categories. In the student category, Ramesh Satpute and Sharda Kate received prizes. In the amateur category, Ashok Tharsekar and Pratibha Bahadure took the second prize, while Mangala Maravi and Smita Aloni claimed the first prize. In the professional category, Dr Acharya and Yasmin Qureshi received the second prize, and the first prize was presented to Sachin Jaltare and Shivani Bhavsar. The exhibition was brought together by the dedicated team of Mahakalpa Artist Academy, led by President Ravindra Durugkar, Vice President Sharad Sahare, Secretary Ashish Bodade, Treasurer Prof Nandkishor Mankar, Executive Member Ishita Chaudhary and Women’s Co-ordinator Rashmi Shivhare. Women’s Palette 3 remains open to the public on March 9 and 10 from 2 pm to 8.30 pm at Rangayan, Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines.