The ninth edition of the India Art Fair will have added attractions like book launches, talks and film screenings. Neha Kirpal, founder director, explains how the fair has been instrumental in establishing India on the global platform and why collaborations are important
In 2008, Neha Kirpal realised the need to set up an international art fair in Delhi and accordingly organised the first edition of the India Art Fair in Delhi. Over the years the fair has not only become the most awaited event for artists and art connoisseurs but has also become a one-stop destination for Indian art at a global level.
Indian art has been appreciated and applauded on the global platform in the past but the fact that an international auction opened with a wok of VS Gaitonde points out to the shift in perception on where India is on the global stage. At the recently held press conference, discussing the highlights of the ninth edition of the India Art Fair, starting from January 28, Kirpal was joined by Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, trustee of Kochi Muziris Biennale and Zain Masud, international director of the fair.
Mehta said that there is a sharp shift in perception on where India is on a global platform. Kirpal mentioned that it is a great responsibility to develop a model relevant to the global art venue — doing justice to both the local and the international art scene. “The primary aim is to educate and give access to public and building a foundation for art connoisseurs. We want to bring India to that place where art is brought up as part of civic society. The challenge is how we play our part and how to present a compelling platform to bring patrons. It is also to give an opportunity to governments and corporations to see how we can take the nascent stage of art and launch several other initiative and awards. All these go a long way in building an eco system,” she said.
This year there are many attractions for the visitors. There will be a designated place for hosting performances, book launches and talks called the IAF Atrium. The space will also showcase an inaugural Film Programme focussing on films curated by Shai Heredia. Along with these, there will also be a collaboration with Architectural Advisor Morphogenesis, instilling a more experiential and dynamic design element to the fair.
It is not a job to be done alone and that is why they have partnered with BMW. “We thrive on collaborations and partnerships with people who respect art and know its importance,” said Kirpal mentioning that it is important to find such collaborations so that the Government realises the need to play a role. Mehta added that the collaborations that the India Art Fair has had so far has been fantastic. She added, “It adds to the ecosystem by setting a benchmark that quality should be sustained.”
According to the speakers, the greatest lacuna in the country is the fact that the country does not have any provision for imparting training in the field of art.
photos Pankaj Kumar