PhotoSparks, a weekly section from YourStory launched in 2014, publishes photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. Over its first thousand publications, it has covered various events, including art festivals, comic book galleries, world music festivals, telecommunications exhibitions, grain fairs, climate change exhibitions, wildlife conferences, startup festivals, as well as Diwali and jazz festivals.
The exhibition, curated by Kishore Labar, recently took place at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. This exhibition, titled Master Strokes 2026, features the works of 36 artists and is the eighth group show in this series.
Among the participants are Ritu Goel, Ritu Kwatra, Renu Umrao, Shashi Lata, Sneha Roy, Shivraj, Satvik Sharma, Sonam Bhandari, Shama Badhwar, Vijay Pal, Bhavya Sagar, Pooja Kapoor Gehani, and Suneti Mohanty Wilock. Kishore Labar tells YourStory that his work involves creating exhibitions that bring together artists from different generations, regions, and with diverse artistic approaches. His main objective is to foster a meaningful cultural experience that promotes dialogue between traditional concepts and modern ideas.
According to Labar, his exhibitions aim to increase public interest in art by providing young talents an opportunity to display their work alongside established masters. He notes that art possesses a unique power to unite humanity, overcoming barriers of language, culture, religion, or social origin. In our rapidly changing and digitally distracted modern world, art reminds people to pause, reflect, feel, and reconnect with themselves and each other.
Labar shared that his love for art was shaped by the natural beauty of the Kalimpong hills where he grew up. His creative journey was further influenced by mentor and artist Mandhu Narain, who provided him with invaluable support and guidance.
Curating, according to Labar, is not merely about placing pieces on walls, but a process of creating a visual and emotional journey. The creative process begins with understanding the core concept of the exhibition and selecting artists whose works harmonize with each other. The exhibition is then developed to evoke a sense of harmony, movement, and emotional depth. Each exhibit transforms into a living narrative, contributing to a broader conversation.
Labar asserts that true success is not measured solely by awards, recognition, or commercial achievements. Real success lies in the ability to create opportunities for artists, especially emerging ones, and in building meaningful connections between art and society. He believes that if an exhibition leaves a lasting cultural imprint, that is genuine success. He derives the greatest satisfaction from watching artists gain confidence, as well as when viewers become deeply engaged with the creativity and self-expression.
He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to strengthening the cultural landscape through such events. Labar emphasizes that his conviction has always been that art is meant not only to be viewed but also to be experienced, shared, and lived.
Even during quarantine restrictions, he maintained active contact with the art community. During this difficult period, he organized online webinars, meetings with artists, and virtual interactive sessions to sustain the dialogue in the art sphere and provide emotional and creative support to artists. Labar advises the young art community to remain true to their creative vision and exercise patience on their journey. He insists that artistic growth requires time, discipline, observation, and continuous learning. While trends may change, originality, sincerity, and emotional truth remain timeless. Artists must stay connected to their roots while remaining open to experimentation and new ideas. Most importantly, they must believe in their own artistic voice and never let temporary difficulties or rejections undermine their passion.
