Who Are the Trending Young Artists of India?
Recent creative practice within India, however, is seeing a slew of young artists, educated under a slew of institutions, often outside of the theatre, coming to works which exist outside of these constraints. These artists are carving a niche for themselves, both in India and across the globe, with their unique styles and aspirations. From exploring socio-political themes to fusing tradition and modernity, their works reflect the nuances of our times. With diverse mediums — from murals to installations and mixed-media work, these artists are igniting conversations on contemporary Indian art that reach past the galleries into communities and mirror the evolving spirit of Indian art.
1. Mohd. Intiyaz
Mohd. Intiyaz’s work exemplifies the power of storytelling in art. Intiyaz, known for his intricate and evocative murals, has been custom-commissioned for outdoor projects at the India Art Fair in 2025. His works frequently delve into urban life, showcasing the praxis and dynamism of Indian cities. Incorporating traditional motifs with modern methods, Intiyaz crafts multi-sensory pieces intertwined with a wider audience. His murals do more than beautify the public sphere; they are conversation starters about urgent social issues like migration, labour and identity. This is what makes him one of the emerging Indian artists to look out for.
2. Yogesh Barve
Yogesh Barve, whose outdoor installations at the fair, have also recently garnered attention, is another rising star in the Indian art scene. It transforms dull urban spaces into provocative art-making landscapes, a hallmark of Barve’s work. His work is grounded in the intersections between technology, media and culture. Using materials such as LED screens, reflective surfaces, and recycled objects, Barve creates installations that compel viewers to reconsider their connection to technology and the way it affects society. His work consistently bridges the gap between aesthetics and critical discourse, establishing him as a vital voice in the contemporary art landscape.
3. Imon Chetia Phukan
From the north-eastern state of Assam, India’s Imon Chetia Phukan has rapidly become a voice for marginalised communities. As one of the chosen few for the Artists In Residence programme at the India Art Fair 2025, Phukan’s work; an ode to contemporary Indian art; pared down to its essence, draws from the narratives of displacement, border conflicts and environmental degradation. His mixed-media installations frequently include found objects, archival photographs, and personal writings that form a subtle critique of his country’s socio-political landscape. Phukan uses his art to spark discussion on the nuances of identity and belonging in a climate of change.
4. Liactuallee
Meet Liactuallee, the experimental artist redefining what creativity means. The artist-in-residence for India Art Fair 2025, she presents a wide array of works that merge art, tech and performance. Her work consists of interactive installations that stimulate viewers along numerous sensory axes. Whether it is through augmented reality or the use of soundscapes and tactile elements, liactuallee’s work provides an immersive experience. By blending traditional artistic practices with cutting-edge technology, she has established herself as a pioneer in the contemporary art world.
5. Umesh Singh
Also making the list was the artist-in-residence, Umesh Singh, whose work embodies the diversity and resilience of contemporary Indian society. Umesh’s installations are steeped in southern Indian cultural heritage, taking cue from folk traditions, temple architecture, and local crafts. Through these elements in his contemporary Indian art practices, Umesh creates a bridge between past and present. His kalidar salwars and zari festivals are a tribute to the atavistic sensuality of Indian culture, so completely uprooted from its deep, organic roots by globalization.
6. Ram Dongre
His works draw from their fading frescos and the ambiance of rural landscapes through Ram Dongre’s work which explores the intersection of tradition and modernity. His art reflects a profound connection to heritage while simultaneously courting contemporary themes, forging a dialogue between the past and present. In 2025, Dongre was also selected to showcase his work at the prestigious London Art Fair, further solidifying his position as an internationally recognized and emerging Indian artists.
7. Gavara Satyanarayana
Gavara Satyanarayana is well-acquainted with the struggles of India’s agrarian sector, having experienced food scarcity and inequity firsthand, which is why he creates intricate woodblock prints inspired by his life’s work. His work reflects the socio-economic reality of sustainable farming within rural communities, shedding light on larger conversations about sustainability and social equity. Satyanarayana’s work has been exhibited in several shows, positioning him as a spokesperson for oppressed communities in the Indian art scene.
8. Viswanath Kuttum
Viswanath Kuttum’s syntactically textured monochromes pay homage to the tribal rituals and the fragile beauty of life in the Andamans. Through an exploration of the connection to place and memory, the emerging Indian artists’ art reflects the cultural richness and history of Indigenous communities. Since its inception, Kuttum’s presence at various international art fairs, including the much-anticipated London Art Fair 2025, has been monumental in taking these stories worldwide, illustrating the diverse and unique traditions of India and nurturing global acknowledgement of the same.
Image Courtesy – Harper’s Bazaar India
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