Delhi Transforms into an Artistic Hub
The India Art Fair 2025 has returned for its 16th edition, bringing together 120 exhibitors, including 78 art galleries and renowned international institutions. This year’s event, held in New Delhi, is the largest edition yet, offering an extensive display of modern, contemporary, and traditional art from India and beyond.
With works ranging from historical manuscripts to avant-garde installations, the fair is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, collectors, and critics. Alongside well-known artists such as Atul Dodiya, Sudarshan Shetty, Subodh Gupta, Anish Kapoor, and Julio Le Parc, the event also highlights lesser-known but extraordinary pieces that deserve attention.
Key Highlights of India Art Fair 2025
• Kanchana Chitra Ramayana: A digital flipbook showcasing the 18th-century illustrated manuscript.
• Jain Chhods: Intricately embroidered textiles once used in Jain temples.
• Manthan by Manu Parekh: A 42-ft quadriptych exploring the symbolism of flowers and faith.
• I Am Not Your Dalit by Yogesh Barve: An LED installation displaying all the words ever written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• Surfing (After Hokusai) by Ai Weiwei: A lego-based reinterpretation of classic artwork.
Rediscovering India’s Artistic Heritage
Kanchana Chitra Ramayana: A Masterpiece in Traditional Indian Painting
At the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) booth, visitors can explore a digital flipbook of the Kanchana Chitra Ramayana, a manuscript commissioned by the royal court of Benaras. This 18th-century illustrated Ramayana was created over 18 years (1796–1814), featuring 548 intricately painted folios adorned with gold accents. The Golden Illustrated Ramayana is a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Indian artists from different schools.
Jain Chhods: Merging Faith and Embroidery
Displayed at the Sarita Handa Archives booth, the Jain Chhods are century-old embroidered textiles that once decorated Jain temples and shrines. Crafted using zardozi and kalabutan embroidery on velvet, these textiles feature mythological symbols, auspicious Jain motifs, and sacred pilgrimage sites. Each piece is a blend of spiritual devotion and artistic excellence.
Modern Art Meets Social Commentary
Manthan by Manu Parekh: A Tribute to Faith and Flowers
Manu Parekh’s latest work, Manthan, is a 42-ft-long acrylic quadriptych displayed at the fair. Inspired by Banaras, Parekh explores flowers as symbols of devotion, life, and loss. The bold depiction of shivlings and red hibiscus flowers reinforces the sacred connection between faith and nature.
I Am Not Your Dalit by Yogesh Barve: A Reflection on Caste and Identity
At the Art and Charlie booth, Yogesh Barve’s installation challenges societal norms through an immersive LED display. Inspired by James Baldwin’s “I Am Not Your Negro”, Barve’s 1,753-hour-long installation presents all of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s collected writings. This powerful artwork illuminates the fight against caste discrimination in India, word by word.
Global Art at India Art Fair 2025
Surfing (After Hokusai) by Ai Weiwei: Deconstructing Art with Lego
Renowned Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei presents Surfing (After Hokusai) at the Galleria Continua booth. Known for using lego bricks to challenge traditional art forms, Weiwei’s piece follows his 2023 reinterpretation of Monet’s “Water Lilies”. Alongside this, his exhibition includes pottery from the Yangshao Culture (5000–3000 BCE), wrapped in modern fabric and glaze, redefining artistic expression.
India Art Fair 2025: A Hub of Innovation and Tradition
This year’s India Art Fair is not just an exhibition of paintings and sculptures but a dynamic space where history, culture, and modernity intersect. From digitized manuscripts to thought-provoking installations, the fair offers a glimpse into the evolving world of art.
With its blend of contemporary visionaries and traditional artisans, the India Art Fair 2025 is a celebration of creativity, heritage, and artistic dialogue. Whether you are an art collector, historian, or enthusiast, this fair promises a transformative experience.
Source: https://ocula.com/magazine/art-news/india-art-fair-delhi-announces-2025-edition/
