Dubai’s modern cultural scene was significantly established starting of the 21st century, with a formal launch of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority in 2008 to develop its cultural infrastructure. Art festivals like Dubai Design Week, Alserkal Art Week, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and so on have established United Arab Emirates (UAE) into a vibrant cultural destination. Sagar’s Art Stream, an artist-first company founded by artist Romendra Sagar aims to promote and support artists by organising online and offline exhibitions, curating shows through their galleries worldwide. After the successful first season of Khwab-e-Mussawiri, the platform has now unveiled season 2 of the exhibition called Scarlett Dreams. The exhibition will take place from 1st to 3rd November 2025 at Picasso Art Gallery, Dubai, and will showcase works from renowned and upcoming artists. Outlook Luxe had an in-depth conversation with Romendra Sagar, and Vikram Rawal on this red-themed exhibition.
What was the vision behind Scarlett Dreams, and why red?
Romendra Sagar – We wanted a single idea powerful enough to unite artists across cultures, and red became that idea. Red is universal—it speaks of passion, devotion, celebration, and transformation. It is central to Indian rituals and festivals, yet equally present in Dubai’s cosmopolitan culture of fashion, luxury, and architecture.
Choosing red as the creative anchor gives the exhibition a visual unity, while still allowing every artist to bring their unique interpretation.
The title Scarlett Dreams is very evocative. What inspired it?
RS – The title captures our desire to combine personal imagination (dreams) with a universal cultural symbol (Scarlet red). From Indian bridal ceremonies to Middle Eastern design, red is everywhere—it tells stories of desire, celebration, power, and change. The phrase Scarlett Dreams allows each artist to contribute their own story within a shared cultural canvas.
Were there any artistic or cultural references that shaped Season 2’s aesthetics?
Vikram Rawal – Yes—everything from Indian cinema posters and M.F. Husain’s bold use of red to Middle Eastern textiles and Dubai’s skyline became reference points. These influences shape the overall mood, but we leave it to artists to interpret them in their own ways.
Could you walk us through your curatorial process?
VR – The process involves all three founders working together. Romendra Sagar provides the artistic depth and vision, Pupul Sagar Pushkarna brings brand positioning and storytelling, and Vikram Rawal adds market insight and a focus on collectors.
We defined red through emotional themes—ritual, love, power, and risk. Then we invited submissions, carefully selecting works that align with this narrative while maintaining high quality. Our focus is always quality over quantity, ensuring each piece contributes to the overall story.
Why bring together artists from across India and Dubai?
VR – Because together they create a cross-cultural dialogue. India brings rich traditions and diverse stories, while Dubai provides an international luxury stage. The fusion creates something more powerful than either could achieve alone. That is what Khwab-e-Mussawiri is about—building bridges through art.
What differences have you noticed in how artists from both regions approached red?
VR – Indian artists often interpret red through rituals, memory, and spirituality. Dubai-based artists often look at red in contemporary contexts—luxury, architecture, and the energy of the city. These contrasts make the exhibition richer and more layered.
How has Season 1’s feedback shaped Season 2?
RS – Season 1 showed us that audiences and collectors want tighter themes and more acquisition opportunities. That is why we chose a single-colour theme and an elite venue like Picasso Art Gallery. We have also strengthened our media presence, catalogue design, and PR strategy so that the exhibition continues to live online long after it closes.
Scarlet can symbolise passion, danger, desire, transformation. Which aspects define Season 2?
RS – For us, the essence is desire and transformation. Desire drives people to create, collect, and connect with art. Transformation reflects how both artists and audiences grow through the exhibition experience.
Do you see this exhibition as a dialogue between artists and audiences?
VR – Absolutely. That is why we include QR-coded artist statements, guided previews, and detailed catalogues. We want viewers to feel they are not just looking at an artwork but entering into the artist’s thought process.
With 40 artists and over 100 works, how do you ensure coherence?
VR – By giving every artist freedom to express, but uniting them under one strong visual idea—red. We also standardise artwork sizes and formats for balance. The final edit is reviewed by all three of us to make sure the exhibition tells one clear, powerful story.
Why Sagar’s Art Stream is Unique
VR – Sagar’s Art Stream is not simply an organiser of exhibitions. It is a visionary platform shaped by three leaders. This combination of artistic excellence and marketing expertise is what makes Sagar’s Art Stream unique. For participating artists, it means more than just hanging work on a wall—it means gaining access to a platform where every detail is curated, every story is promoted, and every exhibition is positioned to elevate their career.
We believe in selective curation—choosing the right artists, the right themes, and the right venues. That is why our exhibitions are not crowded events but exclusive experiences. Our goal is to make Indian art visible globally, not just as craft or culture, but as part of the world of luxury, creativity, and influence.
