The India Art Festival (IAF) once again transformed New Delhi’s Constitution Club of India into a vibrant world for art lovers, celebrating the country’s diverse artistic expressions. Stepping into the exhibition, you were immediately struck by a collection of colours, styles and stories, each artwork seemed to invite you into a world of its own. This year’s festival not only showcased talent but captured the very essence of India’s contemporary art scene, where tradition meets innovation.
The opening was marked by a symbolic lamp lighting ceremony, a gesture that set the stage for the festival’s spirit of unity and creativity. Eminent figures like Prayag Shukla, Jatin Das and IAF Director Rajendra Patil were there to welcome guests, signalling the start of an event that would bring together over 450 artists and more than 3,500 artworks. It was a visual feast, an explosion of creativity that drew in everyone from art collectors to curious newcomers.
The dual-pavilion setup, with one section devoted to established galleries and another for independent artists, created an inclusive atmosphere where every voice mattered. This year, renowned galleries like Delhi’s Gallery Pioneer and Mumbai’s Bouquet of Art Gallery shared space with emerging artists, each showcasing their unique perspectives. The festival’s layout felt like a dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary, with seasoned collectors mingling alongside first-time visitors, all united by a shared love for art.
The sheer variety on display was astonishing, works ranged from vivid landscapes capturing India’s rural heartland to modern abstractions exploring deep emotions. One could not help but be drawn to artists like Antra Shrivastave, whose expressive pieces captured human connection and Bharat Jain, whose surreal and symbolic works left a lasting impression. There were also deeply spiritual portraits by Pratima Abhange that brought a sense of serenity to the festival’s lively atmosphere.
IAF was not limited to paintings alone. Sculptures, wildlife art and reimagined traditional works made the festival a rich visual journey. There was something for everyone, geometric modernism, delicate florals, symbolic representations and experimental art all came together to tell the multifaceted story of Indian creativity. What set this festival apart was its multi-sensory approach. The daily screenings of The Eternal Canvas, a film tracing India’s artistic evolution, added depth and context to the visual experience, while live performances by sitar maestro Uma Shankar and flautist Ritjeet Deepak filled the air with a soulful charm. It was more than an art festival; it was a cultural celebration, a reminder of how deeply art is worked into the fabric of India’s identity.
Leaving the festival, one couldn’t help but be struck by the sense of community it created, a space where artists, collectors and the general public could engage directly and intimately with each other. The India Art Festival wasn’t just about appreciating art; it was about experiencing it, connecting with it and seeing how it continues to evolve and inspire. For anyone passionate about art, it was an unmissable event that left a profound and lasting impression.
Photos: Pankaj Kumar
