Emami Art in Kolkata set to open IMAGINARIUM 5.0: The Promise of the Depth of Being, the fifth edition of its annual open call exhibition, running from November 7 through December 24, 2025.
The exhibition presents works by ten young and emerging artists selected from over 700 applications received from across India. The featured artists are Abela Ruben, Aman Kumar, Anurag Paul, Farhin Afza, Manoj Kumar Pannala, Mitali Das, Pankaj Sarma, Rahul Sarkar, Sanyukta Kudtarkar, and Tejal Kawachi, working across painting, sculpture, installation, video, printmaking, and lens-based practice.
Three artists have been recognized with IMAGINARIUM Awards, supported by the Emami Foundation and Kolkata Centre for Creativity. Pankaj Sarma received the first award, Farhin Afza the second, and Rahul Sarkar the third.
The exhibition explores how contemporary artists address fundamental concerns and shifting social dynamics in today’s world. According to the exhibition statement, it examines “how art as a model can respond to the growing crisis, through thoughtful expressions and by building an inclusive social ecosystem.”
“IMAGINARIUM is a project conceptualised to create a critical discursive platform for the young and emerging artists from across India,” said Richa Agarwal, CEO of Emami Art and Chairperson of KCC. “Throughout the past editions, the initiative has offered critical support and mentorship to numerous artists in the early stages of their careers. This enthusiastic participation of young artists reaffirms the project’s value and inspires us to sustain and further this endeavour for future generations of artists.”
The ten artists were selected by a jury comprising Bindi Vora, Umah Jacob, Tallur L. N, Prasanta Sahu, and Ushmita Sahu.
Launched in 2020, IMAGINARIUM has become one of India’s most anticipated open calls in the contemporary art calendar. Beyond awards and exhibitions, the initiative functions as a critical incubator, providing mentorship, public programming, and portfolio-building opportunities for artists in the early stages of their careers.
The exhibition is on view at Emami Art, Kolkata through December 24, 2025.
Cover Image: Mitali Das (b. 1995) | Hypnotic Rhythm | 2025, Kolkata
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