Everything the coming year holds for the Indian art world

Seventy-two galleries, 21 institutions, design studios, and 18 international exhibitors—the 2024 edition of the India Art Fair is not only large in scale but is also fostering a richer and more inclusive engagement, with sustainability playing a pivotal role in their overarching theme. Jaya Asokan, the fair director, says it’s not just about showcasing art, but nurturing connections that extend beyond borders.“ At the core of whatever we do is to help the artists benefit as much as we can,” shares Jaya.

There is something for everyone this time!The big names in this edition include Vikram Goyal, the Chanakya School of Craft, atelier Ashiesh Shah, Rooshad Shroff, de Gournay, and jewellery brand Studio Renn. Ashiesh will be collaborating with Carpenters Workshop Gallery to present a booth curated around the theme of Querencia—a Spanish word that describes a place where one feels safe, a ‘home’ that serves as a source of strength and inspiration.

For the younger crowd, there will be initiatives like Immerse—a fellowship programme to support the emerging practices in art making and curatorship—a show on emerging multidisciplinary practices by clothing brand Nor Black Nor White, and a special collaboration by clothing brand Almost Gods and artist Tito Stanley. “We try to make it fun and accessible for the young audience .And we make the price of the art affordable so when they see it in that context, it’s not as daunting to them,” Jaya comments. The fair will also have a new cohort of three young artists- in-residence, each from under-represented parts of India.

Beaming with excitement, she elaborates, “So, 2024 will see its first design section introduced to expand the offering to collectors. There will be the participation of pioneering studios specialising for this edition.And when I say that, I mean unique and handmade design from South Asia and beyond.” There are also some high-calibre outdoor projects to look out for. Among the cultural installations, an environmentally conscious mountain landscape has been crafted to act as a canvas for artistic interventions with the support of an art group in Ladakh and the German Embassy.

The fair plays a crucial role in elevating the local art scene by attracting international collectors, curators and institutions. Hence, some of the challenges faced by Jaya and her team, are “to strike a balance between the commercial aspects and maintaining the integrity of the art being exhibited. So, while the fair is underpinned by commercial principles, we do have a lot of non- commercial initiatives that we take on every year—workshops, activities, and walks for differently-abled people, performance art, which is all free.” Beyond art, there are many fun activities one could participate in, workshops by LAND, talks programme, and an Apple-sponsored digital art workshop. And not to forget, a bustling food court to complete the experience.

Asked what’s the next big thing in art? Jaya confidently says,“I think it’s our Indian artists shining globally, which I think you’ll see over the next five years.

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Textile artist Akshata Mokashi Collaboration between BMW and Sashikant Tawodos for an immersive installation, titled ‘The Symphony of Nature’, on the theme of forwardism.

This article originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar January-February  2024 print issue

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