- – By Neha Kirpal
The India Art Festival (IAF) is set to return to the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, from November 14th to 17th, 2024 promising art enthusiasts and collectors an immersive journey through India’s contemporary art scene. This annual festival brings together a rich array of artistic talent, featuring both celebrated and emerging voices from across the country. This edition will see participation from almost 25 galleries, including 450 artists and almost 3,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramic works and photography.
“Despite so many art fairs on the art horizon in Mumbai, Delhi and other cities, our stalls were booked three months in advance. This year, we have many more solo stalls compared with last year. Emerging and young artists are convinced that this is the right launching pad for them, where they can reach out to a wider audience in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad,” said Rajendra Patil, Director, of India Art Festival.
Founded in 2008 by the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, the exhibition was hosted to provide visibility and support for artists in rural and semi-urban areas and has since expanded into a nationwide art movement that reaches major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. “Every year, some artists and about 40% of the art galleries who participate in the festival travel with the festival to these cities. The remaining 40% artists and galleries are regional,” explained Patil.
India Art Festival recognised a significant gap in India’s art infrastructure, with limited platforms available to support over 200,000 practicing artists. This need led to the birth of the dual pattern exhibition module for galleries and independent artists, initially in Mumbai, to create an inclusive stage for artists from rural and semi-urban areas, where their work could be appreciated by a wider audience. IAF’s mission is to democratise the art-presentation process by directly connecting artists with galleries, collectors and connoisseurs. Its accessible, artist-centred approach has resonated across India, particularly among independent artists and mid-level galleries, fostering an authentic exchange between artists and audiences.
Dual Pavilion Model: Showcasing Art Galleries and Independent Artists
IAF’s dual-module format divides the festival into two sections: one dedicated to prominent art galleries and the other to the Artist’s Pavilion. Delhi-NCR galleries like Gallery Pioneer, OPS Art Gallery, Uchaan, Eminent Art Gallery and Shree Yash Art Gallery join forces with Mumbai’s Bouquet of Art Gallery, House of Emerge, Tele Art Gallery, Traditional Art Gallery and Nitya Artists Centre. Other prominent galleries, such as Udaipur’s Pichwaiwala, Bengaluru’s SM-Art Gallery and Kolkata’s Smita Art also add their regional flavours. This rich representation covers a spectrum of contemporary Indian art, presenting styles that range from regional traditions to modern and experimental forms.
The Artist’s Pavilion serves as a central highlight, showcasing both established and emerging talent. Here, artists engage directly with visitors, offering an open platform for art presentation and personal interaction, creating a unique, community-oriented atmosphere where artists and collectors alike can enjoy a more personalised experience. The pavilion’s dynamic array of works promises something for every taste, catering to both the seasoned collector and the new art enthusiast.
Featured Works and Artistic Styles
IAF’s 2024 lineup showcases a wide range of Indian art, offering a holistic view of styles and subjects. Landscape enthusiasts will enjoy Bela Kumari, Rahul Naskar and Varun Singh’s evocative portrayals of village life, natural landscapes and seascapes. Abstract art by Alka Pandey, Anindita Kishore and Cheena Madan pushes creative boundaries through vibrant colour and texture. Themes of human connection unfold in Amita Singhal, Anjali Prabhakar and Jasmine Rizvi’s depictions of complex female emotions, while spirituality shines in Abhishek Aacharya, Pratima Abhange and Arshhia Chawla’s devotional portraits. Realistic portrayals of everyday life and festivals are highlighted by Pankan Bawdekar, Om Thadkar, Chahat Soneja and Gunjan Garg, with floral art delicately rendered by Arundhati Bhattacharjee and Kanchan Kumari.
Modernist geometric pieces from Dhiren Sasmal and Niren Sen Gupta add a fresh perspective, while surreal and symbolic themes are vividly explored by Bharat Jain, Antra Srivastava and Sharmila Paul. Traditional motifs woven with contemporary elements appear in works by Aparna Sharma and Durga Bai Vyam, bridging heritage with modern expression. In addition to paintings, IAF 2024 presents stunning sculptures by artists like Akshay Jadhav and Debjyoti Purakayastha, alongside captivating wildlife and tantra art by Mukesh Kumar and Akshata Shetty, offering rich interpretations of nature and spirituality. More than an exhibition, IAF also serves as a vibrant marketplace, allowing collectors to connect directly with artists, fostering a transparent and intimate art-buying experience that has made IAF a beloved destination for both seasoned and new art collectors.
Collateral Events
“Apart from displaying a whole lot of visual art, collateral events take place for art lovers as a kind of value addition, including live instrumental music, fusion shows, live painting demonstrations as well as film screenings on art,” added Patil. Each day, visitors can view The Eternal Canvas – A 12,000-Year Journey through Indian Art, a captivating film that traces India’s artistic evolution from prehistoric beginnings to contemporary expressions. This year’s live performances include renowned artists Vilas Kulkarni, Praveen Upadhye and Sanjib Gogoi, with musical interludes by sitar maestro Uma Shankar and flautist Ritjeet Deepak, accompanied by tabla artist Ankit Rana. These events create an immersive, multi-sensory experience, blending visual and performing arts to deepen appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Running from November 14 to 17 at the Constitution Club of India, the India Art Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vast, dynamic landscape of Indian art. It’s more than an event; it’s a movement toward making art visible, accessible and celebrated by all. Day passes and seasonal passes are available on BookMyShow.
Feature Image: Lakshmi Sametha Garuda Vahana Maha Vishnu| Courtesy: artistree
