Art Mumbai is back for it's second edition—here's what not to miss

Art Mumbai, the highly anticipated art fair that firmly cemented the city's reputation as an art destination, is set to be bigger and better in its second edition this year. From 14-17 November 2024, the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse will be home to modern and contemporary art from South Asia and beyond in an expanded cultural experience for collectors, art enthusiasts, and cultural connoisseurs alike. Co-founded by Minal Vazirani, Dinesh Vazirani, Conor Macklin, and Nakul Dev Chawla, Art Mumbai 2024 will feature 71 leading galleries—both global and Indian—along with three prestigious foundations. In addition to the visual art on display, attendees can enjoy live performances, pop-up theatre, a speaker series, and more.

If you’re wondering how to experience Art Mumbai at its best, we’ve got you covered. Bazaar India has put together an insider's list of things that you cannot miss at this edition of the fair. 

Tarun Tahiliani’s fashion parade

Celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design, the designer is a name synonymous with artistry at its finest in the fashion world. Last year at the opening of Art Mumbai, Tahiliani put up a fashion and culture parade that cast a spotlight on India’s rich and diverse heritage—from Kathakali dancers and figures from mythology to supermodels in his trademark wedding couture. To call it a spectacle would be an understatement. This year, as tradition dictates, Tahiliani is all set to showcase his second parade with a focus on intricate traditional craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from iconic Indian motifs and sculptures. Unmissable.

Sculpture Walk

Expanding on last year’s Sculpture Garden, this year’s Sculpture Walk will feature over 20 meticulously curated sculptures, along with several interactive installations spread across the venue. Standout works include Wolf’s poignant Sea of Poppies, Monali Meher’s evocative Unknown Landscape Garden, Julian Opie’s striking Walking Figures, Ravinder Reddy’s powerful Devi, and Parag Tandel’s innovative Vitamin Sea, Coastal Road Project 3. Each installation contributes to a rich, multi-layered narrative, inviting visitors to explore the dynamic relationship between art, nature, and the urban environment.

Galleries and art

The most prestigious Indian galleries, such as Vadehra Art Gallery (New Delhi), Nature Morte (New Delhi, Mumbai), Galerie Isa (Mumbai), Tarq (Mumbai), DAG (Mumbai, New Delhi), and Emami Art (Kolkata), will be a part of Art Mumbai. As far as the participating international galleries go, they include the Galleria Continua (San Gimignano, Rome, Les Moulins, Paris, Beijing, Habana, Dubai, São Paulo), Ben Brown Fine Arts (London, Hong Kong, Florida), Grosvenor Gallery (London), and Galerie Geek Art (Tokyo). 

Among the many exciting international artists featured at Art Mumbai, the galleries will present works by some of the most iconic names in the art world. These include Pablo Picasso, whose revolutionary work redefined the boundaries of visual art in the 20th century; Andy Warhol, an artist known for his bold commentary on consumer culture; and François-Xavier Lalanne, renowned for his sophisticated sculptures blending art and nature. Also featured are Tsherin Sherpa, whose vibrant work merges traditional Tibetan art with contemporary themes, and Yoan Capote, whose powerful sculptures and installations address the themes of identity and the human condition. 

Closer to home, the galleries will spotlight the works of pioneering artists whose contributions have shaped the contemporary art scene. These include the Singh twins, who fuse traditional Indian miniature painting with contemporary global themes; MF Husain, famed for his bold, dynamic compositions; and Tyeb Mehta, whose emotive, highly stylized works tackle themes of human suffering and existential angst.

Speaker sessions

The Speaker Series at Art Mumbai has been designed to build upon conversations around art. Amongst the sessions that shouldn’t be missed is “Gateway to Influence: Mumbai’s Cultural Soft Power”, where Mumbai’s cultural catalysts, creative visionaries, and industry experts will come together to explore how the city is reshaping perceptions, fostering innovation, and heralding India’s cultural renaissance on the world stage and Karan Johar's talk about the creative confluence of art, culture and the city, both taking place on 16 November 2024.

Performances

The fair is also set to play host to multiple live performances—a musical act by Dharavi Rocks, a junk percussion band from the city; a play titled “The Gentlemen’s Club” about Mumbai’s pulsating underground club scene following the exhilarating lives of the city’s drag kings; and a contemporary dance performance called “An Evening of Dance” led by Pia Sutaria.

Tickets for Art Mumbai 2024 are available here.

Image credits: Art Mumbai 2024

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