Yes, this was posted on the just concluded 2025 edition India Art Fair’s (IAF) Instagram account for the last day, indicative of the desire to attend India’s largest art fair. While the fair no longer releases figures for the total number of attendees, the fair belies the fact that Indians do not care about art. Yes, ‘high art’, for almost all works are priced well above a lakh rupees – well beyond the purchasing power of the average Indian.
Indeed, buying works by artists such as Anish Kapoor or Ai Weiwei could set one back by a few crores. Indeed, at those prices, one could get a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and a Rolls – combined. Or a few top models of the ‘presenting partner’ BMW. That seems to have not deterred buyers. Indeed, the very first day, almost every gallery reported brisk sales.
Reported sales have been encouraging for the galleries. Kiran Nadar, founder of KNMA, and one of India’s collectors, was spotted at several galleries – and the beaming smiles of the gallerists after her visit was an indication of the still optimistic appetite of India’s collectors. Galleria Continua, which showcased works by leading international and Indian artists, reported sales of an orange plexiglass sculpture by Julio Le Parc for upwards of ₹3 crore.
Subodh Gupta, Bud (2021-2024), Stainless steel and lacquer, GALLERIA CONTINUA
Works by Subodh Gupta, who was spotted at multiple galleries hosting his works, continued to be popular –as there were new takes on his works around everyday household items. Other hot selling artists included Bharti Kher, Shilpa Gupta, Ravinder Reddy, L George, Sudhir Patwardhan, Atul Dodiya, Vivan Sundaram and Nikhil Chopra amongst others.
Modern works continued to lead in prices for Indian works – DAG’s booth is the usual place to check the best of works. This edition too was no exception, with DAG displaying a collection that showcased several modern masters, including MF Husain (despite the gallery facing a recent controversy over a separate Husain show at its Delhi gallery), artists from the colonial period, and a sizable number from Bengal. However, a sprinkling of Husain, along with SH Raza, KH Ara, FN Souza and other modern masters were spotted in several booths.
Anish Kapoor’s ‘Apple’ (Magenta and Black Mist), at GALLERIA CONTINUA, was reportedly priced at above Rs. 8 crore.
But contemporary art seemed to be the flavour this year, led both by the astronomical prices and limited supply of works by internationally recognised modern masters as well as the exploration of newer themes by contemporary artists. There were a number of eye-catching works, and galleries reported encouraging sales for newer artists on their rosters.
International names did well too, with works by Portia Zvavahera, Oscar Murillo, Sosa Joseph, Huma Bhabha reportedly selling well. IAF favourites, such as Yuvan Bothysathuvar, whose mesmerising optical illusions, and Tayeba Begum Lipi, whose razor blade installations, have caught the attention of Indian buyers in the past, continue to find buyers. Indeed, filmmaker Karan Johar is said to have acquired one of Lipi’s works at the fair.
The world of design was represented by the Chanakya School of Craft (who famously craft couture and art for Dior). They showcased ‘Towards Light’ a series of artworks using fabrics and embroideries – which seemed in continuation to their recently showcased artworks at SURFACE in Jodhpur. Studio Renn was a repeat exhibitor, showcasing artistic jewelry made using unconventional materials such as special-cut free-form diamonds, discarded wood, and weathered stone.
One of the artworks from designer Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘Tree of Life’ series
Notably, fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani merged his skill in fashion with art as he unveiled ‘The Tree of Life’, a series of eight paintings that employed French knots, aari embroidery, and mother-of-pearl detailing on hand-painted textiles, to offer mesmerizing landscapes.
Of the 120 exhibitors, IAF 2025 included 22 international exhibitors, including 13 galleries, seven institutional participants and two outdoor projects. While IAF regulars have been familiar with the works brought by names such as Galleria Continua and Carpenters Workshop Gallery, there were also returning international powerhouses such as David Zwirner and Lisson Gallery, which returned after years.
There were also debuts including kó (Lagos) and Unit 7./Prahlad Bubbar (London), and galleries from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, highlighting India’s decentralised art market growth.
‘A Knot In The Thread III’ (oil, acrylic on canvas), at Method
Growth path
IAF has evolved since it began its remarkable journey, with changes in venue, ownership, and even its form and extent. “India Art Fair’s mission remains to prioritise the needs of galleries and artists from the region to ensure we continue leading the way in supporting the growth of the South Asian arts ecosystem,” underscores Jaya Asokan, Director at India Art Fair.
“We believe the best way to do this is to work on developing meaningful initiatives in collaboration with local cultural institutions to complement existing programming and strengthen the market in Delhi, Mumbai and the diverse span of art hubs across India. This is reflected in the fact that the fair has evolved into being a year-round endeavour. We operate 365 days a year to bring the arts closer to people and foster deeper engagement with culture.” There was an announcement by IAF a few months ago to expand to Mumbai, which was then retracted, though an unspecified format in Hyderabad is reportedly in the works.
A visitor at OJAS ART booth at India Art Fair
Criticism has come in the way of the ‘sameness’ of the fair. But then, proponents argue that it is a commercial fair, and the responsibility of mirroring society and its trends and injustices lies elsewhere. Thankfully, the artists continue to bear that cross, and many artists highlighted some of the pressing concerns of society, at home and in the world.
Yes, for those interested in the art, IAF offered a great dipstick of contemporary trends. Even as the entry prices this year ranged from ₹1,500 to ₹9,000, it was still a steal for the range of artworks on display.
