There is something moving about basking in unique artistic creations - while some pieces may play at your heartstrings, others might not. You just need to find stories that make you feel heard. The India Art Fair, which started as Neha Kirpal’s brainchild in 2008, has grown into an inclusive and versatile space today. It is one of South Asia’s largest curations, representing contemporary creations and modern art from the entire region. The annual art exhibition in Delhi will showcase South Asian creations between February 9, 2023 and February 12, 2023. Read on to know more about why you cannot miss this melting pot of art and cultural conversations!
What happens at the India Art Fair?
The India Art Fair was founded with the idea of bringing together art, artists, curators, non-profits, museums and the cultural diversity of India. The envisioned focus would be on modern art from the country. Over time as it grew, it opened up room for a lot more artistic showcases from all over South Asia. The aim has always been to open up conversations around indigenous art and culture to an international community. At the India Art Fair, you will stumble upon some of the more unique and striking collections of modern art from different walks of life.
India Art Fair was founded by a young Indian post-graduate from the University of Arts in London, Neha Kirpal. She has been instrumental in collating artistic communities, encouraging education and facilitating exhibitions for a long time. She eventually gave up her rights to the multicultural event to Angus Montgomery Arts. Today, India Art Fair engages in community outreach and facilitates events across the city of Delhi. It has expanded in scope and potential to truly promote contemporary art and indigenous creations from South Asia.
A brief program of the India Art Fair 2023
The goal of the India Art Fair is to highlight the unique artistic diversity in South Asia. In this regard, more than 70 exhibitors will find a space to showcase their creativity. This number is indicative of South Asia’s ever-growing art scene and a growing interest in contemporary art.
The Delhi art fair will be split into four different sections, each focusing on a particular means of representing art.
- To start with, the fair will have a section titled ‘Galleries’ where exhibitors will showcase works from a range of Indian artists.
- Similarly, the ‘Focus’ section will have complete collections of certain artists that are represented by these galleries. Here, you will be doused in exclusively curated narratives from the artist in focus.
- If you are curious about the hidden art forms and practices of India, then the ‘Platform’ section at the India Art Fair is for you. Here, you will be able to see regional artistic practices from South Asia that have been sidelined for too long. The space will bring underrepresented artisans and their works to the forefront of international artistic space.
- Lastly, ‘Institutions’ will bring together museums and cultural centres that will put forth their curated performances or art projects.
Installations at India Art Fair 2023
Once you know what’s where at this India art exhibition, these are some installations that you need to keep an out for at the India Art Fair 2023:
1. The Forest of the Future
This installation is right at the entrance of the fair and is a modern take on Maharashtra’s age-old Warli Art. The facade of the fair will initiate you into an artistic forest with a contemporary twist. What a wonderful way to set the tone for this India art exhibition, right?
2. Digital artists in residence
India Art Fair’s digital artists in residence will highlight the technological tweak to traditional art and the creative space. Indulge with experts from the field such as Gaurav Ogale, Mira Felicia Malhotra and Varun Desai to gain immersive insight into digital projects. Their workshops promise to be interactive and are facilitated by Today at Apple.
3. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
While you are there, why not take a peek into modern art from South Asia from the exclusive collection of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art? This space has been dedicated to the conservation, promotion and education of indigenous contemporary art forms. Their collections date back to the 20th century and pre-independence artists who made a difference through their honesty.
Attending India Art Fair 2023
India Art Fair is a one-stop destination for art enthusiasts. It incorporates more than 80 galleries and diverse live performances that encompass the diverse essence of South Asia. If you find yourself being driven to cultural exhibitions, art displays and intellectual conversations around art, film and the creative process, this event is for you. The art exhibition in Delhi is also a wonderful opportunity for collectors, creatives, museum groups and other art connoisseurs. If you are looking to connect with like-minded individuals, this is one space where you could spark some wonderful conversations.
The event has also been made accessibility-friendly with braille guides, tactile forms of important artworks, wheelchair ramps, sign language specialists and feeding rooms for mothers.
Tickets
Different tickets for the India Art Fair 2023 have different provisions based on their pricing. You can find your passes on BookMyShow and purchase one that fits your needs. There are four unique passes - Thursday and Friday previews, Student Pass, Single Day Pass and the Weekend Pass. You can opt for the Preview passes if you want exclusive access to the event. The early-access Preview passes for Thursday and Friday start at ₹5000 and are being sold in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity. The Single Day ticket allows entry on either Saturday or Sunday and will cost ₹1000. If you want to get the full experience of the fair, purchase the Weekend ticket for the India Art Fair for just ₹1800. Lastly, if you are a student, the Student pass for the India Art Fair 2023 costs just ₹600. However, you need to keep your student ID on you for the same. Don’t forget to read their terms and conditions before you make your final choice.
Location
The NCIS Exhibition Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi will be home to the 14th edition of the India Art Fair 2023. Since this event will be attended by people all around the country and the world, it is advisable to partake in public transport to avoid traffic congestion. The closest metro stations are Govindpuri Metro Station (Violet line) and Okhla NSIC (Magenta line). If you make it early, you might even find parking at Gate 6.
Timings
The Delhi Art Fair 2023 is split into two sessions - early-bird access on Thursday and Friday (preview), and public access on Saturday and Sunday. The Preview will be open from 3 pm to 7 pm on Thursday and 11 am to 7 pm on Friday. The public access will be open between 12 pm to 7 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 6 am on Sunday. However, note that the last entry will be taken at 5 pm on all days.
Everyone needs art in their life to make them feel seen. The India Art Fair is a visual commentary on India’s story through its art and is a must-see for every South Asian. This art exhibition in Delhi is one of the country’s best. It brings out narratives of communities that have been ignored and misunderstood and aims to connect us all as humans. Moreover, it's a vibrant display of a nation that has overcome so much to find its own identity. There is no better way to indulge in your country’s beauty than through this fair.