Mumbai is set to host the 12th edition of the India Art Festival at the Nehru Centre in Worli, welcoming 45 art galleries and showcasing the works of 550 artists. The event, running until February 11 from 11 am to 8 pm daily, promises an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Following the resounding success of previous editions in Delhi and Bengaluru, this iteration of the India Art Festival in Mumbai offers city art lovers a diverse selection of over 5000 artworks. The exhibition spans various styles, employs different mediums, and explores a myriad of subjects, creating a vibrant celebration of diversity and the timeless allure of artistic expression.
Beyond a visual feast, the festival distinguishes itself this year by presenting fusion shows, live music performances, mesmerizing live painting demonstrations, and captivating film screenings. One highlight is the enlightening film titled “The Eternal Canvas – 12,000 Years Journey through Indian Art,” offering a cinematic exploration of India’s rich artistic heritage spanning millennia. The film provides a sweeping overview of the evolution of Indian art, from prehistoric times to contemporary expressions.
Rajendra Patil, the founder and director of India Art Festival, President of the Bombay Art Society, and Editor & Publisher of the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, shared the inspiration behind initiating the festival in 2011. He aimed to create a platform that promotes contemporary art in India, with a focus on supporting young emerging artists and mid-level art galleries. Patil emphasized that accessing such platforms or entering the art fair circuit can be challenging for them due to significant cost factors.
This year, the festival features several galleries showcasing on the second floor, providing independent artists with a platform to display their creative talents. The event serves as a direct interface for art collectors and buyers to engage with emerging artistic talents.
The Artists Pavilion, on the other hand, boasts a rich diversity of seascapes, landscapes, rural and urban scenarios, and abstracts. Notable artists like Nandini Bajekal, Palak Doshi, Shankar Sharma, Ria Das, and Suresh Gosavi present their solo shows, offering a dynamic visual experience.
With more than 30 artists presenting solo projects on the second floor, the India Art Festival becomes a revelation of artistic brilliance. The event hosts works by over 200 individual artists in group shows, providing them with a unique opportunity to be discovered alongside established master artists.