PUJA SARKAR

Puja Sarkar is a celebrated Indian Artist, Curator, Social Activist, and founder of SMS – A Group of Artists(Socio-Cultural Organisation), recognized for her vibrant and emotive works spanning figurative art, fine art, and pop art. Inspired by the human condition and the interplay of colors and forms, Sarkar's paintings explore themes of identity, culture, and societal dynamics through objects. Her unique artistic voice resonates with audiences through bold compositions and a distinctive expressive style. Sarkar honed her artistic skills at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, India, where she earned both her BVA (Bachelor of Visual Arts) with Honors in Painting in 2007 and her MFA (Master of Fine Arts) with Honors in Painting in 2009. Her early career involved art instruction, teaching painting, drawing, and composition at various institutions, including Saradacharan Aryan Institution Alumni Association, Sur-o-Silpo, a school of fine arts, and Euro Kids school.
Throughout her 18-year career, Sarkar has garnered numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Her artwork has been recognized internationally, including a Spotlight Interview Winner Artist by ARTIT, United Kingdom (2025) and the 'Creative Excellence' Award from the Circle Foundation for the Arts, France (2025). She was also named the Winner Women Artist of "HER STORY" by SeeMe Gallery in Chelsea, New York (2019). Within India, Sarkar was awarded a Junior Fellowship in Painting (2019-2020) by the Centre for Cultural Resources & Training, Ministry of Culture for her contribution in culture.
An active cultural contributor, she has served as a juror for prestigious art events in India, led educational initiatives, and worked extensively for the socio-cultural upliftment of underprivileged children and women in our society through art and the artist collective, further solidifying her commitment to fostering artistic expression. . In 2009, she founded SMS – A Group of Artists, (Artistic and Socio-Cultural Organisation) a collective that bridges contemporary art with community engagement. Through her curatorial and social initiatives, she continues to position art as both an act of resistance and a space for healing—bridging personal history with universal human experience. Puja’s works are held in private and institutional collections in India and abroad.
Sarkar's work has been showcased in a diverse range of exhibitions globally. Some notable shows include: 2025: COLLECTIVE WE, RevArt Gallery and Cobiz, Richmond, California, USA. 2025: WINTER CARNIVAL, curated by Puja Sarkar, SMS Group, online 2024: Move In Colors International Art Association, “THE PAST”, Roma, Italy. 2024: Florence Art Gallery, “Interchange” Show. Florence, Italy. 2024: Move In Colors International Art Association, “RED”, Roma, Italy. 2024 HUG, an inclusive social marketplace, Subjective Art Festival 2024, Lume Studios, New York, United States. 2024: Move In Colors International Art Association, “THE SKY”, Rome, Italy. 2024: Odyssey Global Media, “Blue Planet Grassroots Global Art Event”, London, England. 2024: Move In Colors International Art Association, “PAIN AND SORROW”, Rome, Italy. 2024: ARTIT Artist Community, “Brushing Stigma Away”, London, United Kingdom. 2023: VIBRANT HUES, SPIRITED FORMS, curated by Puja Sarkar, SMS Group, Smart Art Gallery, India. 2021: International Art Show, Daejeon International Arts Exchange Association,