National Award
Received Junior Fellowship Award to the Excellence Person for the Contribution to the Culture by: Centre for Cultural Resources & Training (CCRT), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi.
Puja Sarkar
Artist · Curator · Social Activist
autobiographical narratives — where feminist symbolism becomes dialogue, empathy, inclusivity and social change.
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'SMS ' Collective
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​Founder/ Director
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About 'SMS' Collective
Founded in 2009 by artist, curator and social activist Puja Sarkar, SMS Collective is an independent and Gov.t registered, artist-led socio-cultural organisation/initiative based in Kolkata. Conceived as a platform to “send meaningful messages through art,” the collective brings together emerging and established voices in contemporary Indian art to create exhibitions, dialogues, and socially responsive projects. Over the years, SMS has curated national and international programs such as Winter Carnival (2025), Vibrant Hues, Spirited Forms (2023), Concave & Convex (2021) and Empathy (2020), each reflecting its commitment to both aesthetic exploration and social relevance. Beyond exhibitions, SMS Collective actively organizes workshops, art talks, and community outreach initiatives—bridging art with public life and education. Its mission is to nurture creativity while fostering cultural exchange, solidarity, and inclusivity in the arts. Today, 'SMS' Collective stands as a model of how art can operate as both a professional practice and a vehicle for social transformation.
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Projects (Curated Exhibitions & Initiatives)
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Art Talks / Workshops (Public Engagement & Pedagogy)
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​Social Works (Community Outreach)
Projects (Curated Exhibitions & Initiatives)
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2025 – Winter Carnival
Curated by Puja Sarkar, presented by SMS Collective. Winter Carnival is a high-profile, A large-scale national group exhibition featuring artists across India, exploring seasonal cycles and collective creativity. this online exhibition spotlighting a vibrant array of contemporary Indian art voices. -
2023 – Vibrant Hues, Spirited Forms
Curated by Puja Sarkar at Smart Art Gallery, Newtown, India. A collective show bringing together painting and sculpture that celebrated individuality and diversity. -
2021 – Concave & Convex
SMS Collective’s critically acclaimed international group exhibition, Concave & Convex, was curated by Puja Sarkar and featured
prominent national and international artists from all over the world and the SMS network
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2020 – Empathy (COVID-19 Relief Initiative)
An online national exhibition conceived and curated by Puja Sarkar under SMS Collective to support artists financially and emotionally during the global pandemic. Recognized for its social impact.Empathy was an impactful online exhibition dedicated to supporting artists affected by the pandemic. -
2019 – Rupam Dehi
An evocative online group exhibition of paintings and sculptures organized by SMS Collective and curated by Puja Sarkar, Rupam Dehi showcased symbolic contemporary practices by emerging and established Indian artists.Freedom at Monsoon featured works in painting and graphics that explored seasonal and thematic narratives.
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Art Talks / Workshops (Public Engagement & Pedagogy)
Art Talks & Panels
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2021 – ADDA WITH CHOBI & COFFEE (6th Edition – Live)
Topic: “Practice of Pure Medium in Painting”
Curated by Puja Sarkar and streamed live on Facebook, this edition featured in-depth discussions on traditional painting techniques and contemporary application. -
2020 – ADDA WITH CHOBI & COFFEE (5th Edition – Live)
Topic: “Durga Puja Art in the New Normal Situation”
A virtual panel moderated by regional anchor Subir Halder, Curated by Puja Sarkar, exploring the cultural shifts with Eminent National Award Winning Costume Designer and renowned in festive art (Durga Puja Art) practices during times of social change. -
2020 – ADDA WITH CHOBI & COFFEE (4th Edition – Live)
Topic: “Practice of Sculpture in the New Normal Situation”
Curated by Puja Sarkar, Conducted over three live sessions on Facebook, this talk engaged notable sculptors including Sandip Chakraborty, Akhil Chandra Das, and Deepankar Dutta on adapting sculptural practices during global disruptions. -
2020 – ADDA WITH CHOBI & COFFEE (3rd Edition – Zoom)
Topic: “Printmaking Today”
Curated by Puja Sarkar, featuring print makers Vijay Bagodi, Kavita Shah, and Ananda Moy Banerji, moderated by print expert Siddhartha Ghosh. The discussion aired via Zoom to expand digital reach. -
2020 – ADDA WITH CHOBI & COFFEE (2nd Edition – Zoom)
Topic: “Artists in Lock down”
A timely roundabout reflecting the challenges faced by artists during global lock down, with speakers including Pradosh Paul, Samir Dutta, and Joydeb Bala, curated by Puja Sarkar, moderated by print expert Siddhartha Ghosh.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
2019 – ADDA WITH CHOBI & COFFEE (Painting Workshop with a Creative Twist)
Organized by 'SMS' Collective held at Baithak Khana Café, Kolkata, this workshop merged informal 'adda' culture with live painting, creating a unique blend of public engagement and artistic dialogue.
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Social Works (Community Outreach)
From childhood, Puja Sarkar has been deeply engaged in social work, using her own earnings from teaching art at a home-based drawing school to support underprivileged children and communities. Quietly and consistently, she dedicated resources to helping those in need—long before her public recognition as an artist.
With the founding of SMS Collective, this spirit of service expanded in scale and visibility. Today, the initiative organizes regular outreach programs to provide educational supplies, clothing, and essentials to underprivileged children, orphans, and senior citizens.
Festival-based contributions, especially during Durga Puja, extend not only material support but also joy, belonging, and dignity to communities often left on the margins.
For Puja, art and compassion are inseparable. Her journey demonstrates that the role of an artist extends beyond the canvas—embracing empathy, solidarity, and the belief that contemporary art can serve as a catalyst for social change and shared humanity.
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