Message

Out of nearly 1,200 applicants this year, our esteemed preliminary jury of 13 members (made up of leading practising artists, a cinematographer and an art historian) shortlisted 213 finalists for the much-anticipated triennial awards programme. This was indeed a Herculean task, completed with utter diligence, care, and critical appraisal. I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to all the jurors, both preliminary and final, for painstakingly deciphering the very best from the selected finalists.
The most positive outcome this year has been a significant rise in women applicants.
An overview of the selected works emphasizes the existential dilemmas of a post-pandemic era coupled with the impending traumas and angst related to climate change, war, uncertainties and the unknown in general. The exhibits this year represent a wide spectrum of graphics, paintings, sculptures, new media and installations. Paintings range from subtle abstracts to highly representational works. We notice a wide variety of surfaces and processes ranging from handmade paper, textiles and canvas to employing appropriation, appliqué and a host of other techniques to express, impress and subvert.
CIMA Awards 2025 represents emerging India. While artists from 31 states and Union territories had originally applied, artists from 22 states finally got selected, displaying a formidable creative surcharge. The artworks are powerful, sensitive and genuine; they underscore the
creativity and brilliance of the young generation of artists, many of whom come from the margins of India.