Kiran Soni Gupta – Ex Director, West Zone Cultural Centre; Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Grace under pressure has many forms, and for the dynamic Kiran Soni Gupta, it finds expression on canvas. An accomplished former IAS officer and celebrated artist, she presents Art Musings: Unbroken Spirit, a solo exhibition that is far more than a display of artistic brilliance… it is a moving testament to resilience, courage and an undimmed creative flame.

Despite a fractured leg, the very resilient Kiran’s dedication to art remains beautifully unwavering. Rather than yielding to limitation, she has transformed challenge into inspiration, proving that true creativity does not wait for perfect moments. Every work in this collection carries the quiet power of perseverance, grace under pressure and a spirit that refuses to be restrained.

Her beautiful paintings bloom with emotion, texture and luminous colour… capturing nature’s poetry, feminine strength, spiritual stillness and the many moods of life itself. Delicate florals, expressive forms, meditative landscapes and vibrant abstractions come together in compositions that feel both intimate and uplifting. Each canvas reveals not only technical finesse, but also a deeply personal language of hope and renewal.

Art Musings: Unbroken Spirit invites viewers to look beyond brushstrokes and palette, and step into a richer narrative of grit, beauty and inner resolve. Through every stroke, Kiran Soni Gupta reminds us that while challenges may slow the body, they can never silence the soul.

In an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, the former IAS officer and remarkable artist shares the passion, perseverance and creative spirit that continue to define her inspiring journey.

Over To Former IAS officer & Artist Kiran Soni Gupta

You have had an illustrious career as an IAS officer and equally inspiring journey as an artist. How did you manage to balance governance with creativity, and did one passion enrich the other?

Kiran Soni Gupta: Although governance and creativity seem poles apart yet the most distinctive quality of any civil servant is empathy and sensitivity towards people and things around. It is this sensitivity towards human beings that is a common thread between a responsive civil servant and an artist.

Public good has always been a priority over art . I have never faced any conflict between the two. Rather I would say that each one is supportive of the other. Many of my themes for artwork has emerged from the field work.

I recall a serious famine situation Rajasthan in 2001-02. While inspecting famine works in Suratgarh in Ganganager distric,t where I was the first lady Collector in the border district, I was moved by an image of a mother and a famished child. I created an artwork on paper with pastels, It was surprising that the image won me a National Award.  

Most serious administrative issues- nature, environment, women’s empowerment, children etc – have inspired much of my artwork. Likewise, after indulging in art, I am back to work with renewed enthusiasm, The two indeed have gone hand in hand in my life’s journey so far.

Many people see retirement as the end of the chapter but for you it seems like the beginning of an even more vibrant one. What inspired you to continue serving through art after retiring from administration?

Kiran Soni Gupta: Art and Public service have woven the warp and weft of my life so far. A small childhood interest grew into a passion. After I retired in 2020, I am witness to this passion converging into a mission. That is my “Ikigai”.

I was fortunate to be the Director of the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur for three years where I got the opportunity to work for artists during the challenging covid times and thereafter.  For me, retirement made little difference… in fact, it left me with luxury to time that I dedicated to art, artists and their welfare.

Your solo exhibition ‘Art Musings’ carries a deeply moving message of resilience, especially as it was created while you were recovering from a fractured led. How did this personal challenge shape your creativity and what does Unbroken Spirit mean to you personally?

Kiran Soni Gupta: For me, visual art is the most powerful medium of expression. It is the soul of society. Every nation and State is judged on the scale of civilization on the basis of the heights that its arts and crafts have reached in a particular era.

Art is not just for art’s sake. Rather art carries a deeper meaning of opening the layers in artist and society. Art helped me a lot during my recovery period from my femur fracture. I got an opportunity to take my water colors to the next level while working from the hospital table.  This led me to put together my recent solo exhibition “Art Musings” at Civil Services Officers’ Institute Chankayapuri, New Delhi, this exhibition showcased 180 artworks. I think for me, ‘Unbroken Spirit’ is the consistency and flow of thoughts and self-expression that makes one resilient. This enabled me to invest more time in self, positivity and wellness.

Your artworks such as Women of Substance and Pooja Times have received international recognition. What stories or emotions do you hope viewers experience when they engage with your creations.

Kiran Soni Gupta: The works Women of Substance and Pooja Times symbolizes the inner strength of women. The onlookers can identify the boldness, traditional wisdom despite her low formal education. Pooja Times was showcased in an international exhibition held at world’s most visited museum  Carrosel de louvre. The painting evokes the tradition of pooja done by women on karvachauth.

You have spoken about healing artists after difficult times. How do you personally see art as a source of healing, resilience and hope in society?

Kiran Soni Gupta: I would like to share an overwhelming experience of doing an art exhibition in a hospital in Mouline, Chicago (US) few years ago. It got an enthusiastic response from the patients and the caregivers.  

Art has the power to lift the human spirits and cast a spell of optimism. I am convinced how colors, composition, values, presentation and the resultant ambience can change our frame of mind. Though it is highly subjective, yet every act of creation leads one closer to divinity. There are few people who despite their sufferings have been good collectors of art. I believe it brings much solace. Art vibrates and a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

As someone who has excelled in leadership, administration, writing, sculpture and painting, what advice would you give young women who want to pursue multiple dreams without limiting themselves?

Kiran Soni Gupta: I think women are born with tremendous abilities with distinctive quality of nurturing and creating. Her sense and sensibilities define her and gives her the identity. Every woman needs to give herself enough time and space to blossom and to fulfill her creative urges and passions. She is also blessed with the quality of multitasking and effective time management while performing her various roles.

Looking back at your remarkable journey…… from being a pioneering civil servant to becoming a celebrated artist, what legacy would you like Kiran Soni Gupta to leave behind for future generations?

Kiran Soni Gupta: I would say all stakeholders in Governance need to be highly responsive and diligent. We need to factor time as the most expensive resource. Ease of living and working harmoniously should be our mandate. Local leadership roles should be enlarged.  Creativity has to be all pervasive.

We need to connect even a common man with art and aesthetics. Art as a highly personalized experience has to become the building blocks of communities. It has to be communicative, innovative, skillful and the link with the coming generations. It should enrich our societies. I want that life should be enriching, diversified and each one should lead a full many faceted life.  I would like to leave legacy of’ finding one’s own happiness in life’.

TheGlitz Take

Kiran Soni Gupta’s Art Musings: Unbroken Spirit is more than an exhibition… it is a masterclass in grace, grit and creative triumph. What makes her story truly compelling is not only the beauty of her paintings, but the strength behind them. At a time when many would choose to pause, she chose purpose. Each canvas radiates resilience, elegance and emotional depth, proving that artistry is often born brightest in adversity. For TheGlitz, Former IAS officer and artist Kiran Soni Gupta stands as a shining reminder that true style lies not just in what one creates, but in how one rises.