What is The Group and when was it founded?

The Group is one of the world's oldest collectives of women artists, founded in 1983 by the Pancha Kanya artists in Kolkata.

Who are the artists participating in The Group's latest exhibition?

The latest exhibition will be led by veteran artist Mahua Bhattacharya and feature seven other painters and two sculptors, all members of The Group.

How has The Group's exhibition series continued for over 4 decades?

Despite facing initial scorn and condescension, The Group has persevered and managed to attract support from celebrated male artists, allowing them to host their annual exhibitions uninterrupted since 1983.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pioneering Women's Art Group Thrives for Over 4 Decades

Pioneering Women's Art Group Thrives for Over 4 Decades

6 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Women's art collective The Group celebrates 42nd exhibition
Founded in 1983 by Pancha Kanya artists to carve space for women
Latest exhibition led by veteran artist Mahua Bhattacharya

Pioneering Women's Art Group Thrives for Over 4 Decades

In 2025, one of the world's oldest collectives of women artists, The Group, is set to present its 42nd exhibition at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata from November 10 to 16. The collective was established in 1983 by the founding Pancha Kanya artists - Shanu Lahiri, Karuna Shaha, Meera Mukherjee, Santosh Rohtagi, and Shyamasree Basu - with the aim of carving out a space for women artists in a male-dominated art scene.

While the last of the Pancha Kanya, Shyamasree Basu, passed away in 2023, the collective has continued its annual exhibitions uninterrupted. This year, veteran artist Mahua Bhattacharya will lead the exhibition, showcasing her acrylic and mixed-media works inspired by Bengali folk art and the daily life of Kolkata. Bhattacharya will be joined by seven other painters and two sculptors, all members of The Group.