Synapse International Art Gallery, in collaboration with The Centrum Hotel, organized a group
painting exhibition featuring eminent contemporary artists from across India: Arunanshu Choudhury
and Amarnath Sharma from Vadodara, Gujarat; Sambit Panda from Odisha; Uma Shankar Pathak
from Delhi; Rahul Rai and Umendra Pratap Singh from Lucknow.
The exhibition was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp-lighting and the unveiling of the E-catalogue
by Shri Swatantra Dev Singh, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti, Government of Uttar Pradesh, as
Chief Guest, and Prof. P. Rajivanayan, Dean, Faculty of Fine Art & Performing Arts, Dr. Shakuntala
Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow, as Guest of Honour.
The exhibition opened on Monday, 22 December 2025 at 4:30 PM and will remain open to the public
until 5 January 2025, daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Rakesh Kumar Maurya, Founder and Director of Synapse International Art Gallery, addressed the
media and shared insights into the concept and vision of the exhibition. Other dignitaries present
included Mr. Sarvesh Goel, ARCHITECT. Namit Agrawal, Padma Bhushan awardee Purnima Varman,
Punit Srivastva Architect, Dr. ratan Kumar – Dean art College, Ajaish Jaishwal business Man,
Rajendra Mishra- Lailt kala Ascedemy, VIPIN VEMRA, POOJA YADAV, SHIPRA NISHAD- INTERIOR
DESIGNER and Bhagwati Pant, General Manager of The Centrum Hotel.
About the Exhibition:
“The Thousand Miles in One Brushstroke” presents over 30 artworks exploring themes of
environment, urbanization, tradition, migration, memory, and human existence through diverse
artistic practices.
Artist Highlights:
Arunanshu Choudhury’s artistic journey began with dough sculptures made alongside his
grandmother. Influenced by his mother, an artist and teacher, he later pursued fine art in Baroda.
His evolving practice spans watercolours, bold brushwork, and large-scale mixed media works
reflecting city life, politics, and personal experiences.
Amarnath Sharma, from a carpenter family, developed a deep bond with wood through his
grandfather. For him, wood symbolizes life, sustainability, and the connection between humans and
nature. His work uses wood textures and patterns as metaphors for human existence.
Sambit Panda’s works address environmental values and ecological balance, critiquing urbanization.
His series “Flies” removes human presence to emphasize coexistence and the ecosystem.
Uma Shankar Pathak blends urban and rural imagery, reflecting his migrant journey. Works like
“Expecting the Expectation” and “The Blackest Air” address dreams, pollution, and the cost of
progress.
Umendra Pratap Singh is a recipient of three National Awards, a State Award, Senior and Junior
Fellowships, and multiple grants and scholarships. He has exhibited nationally and internationally
and taught at universities in Kanpur and Lucknow.
Rahul Rai has received three National Awards from AIFACS, a State Award from the Uttar Pradesh
State Lalit Kala Akademi, Senior and Junior Fellowships, and a research grant from the National Lalit
Kala Akademi. He has exhibited widely and taught at Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaja University,
Kanpur, and Lucknow University.
