Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : Marking its 10th edition in Delhi and 35th nationwide, The India Art Festival (IAF) was held at the Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, from November 7 to 9, 2025. The festival showcased a vast array of contemporary Indian art that connected diverse regions, traditions, and generations. It brought together 25 galleries, 450 artists, and over 3,500 artworks across 100 booths, reaffirming its status as one of India’s largest multidisciplinary art gatherings and furthering its mission to democratize art. The festival’s Chief Guest was Shri Keshav Chandra, Chairperson and Member of NDMC, and the Guest of Honour was Shri Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA.
Established in 2008 by the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, the India Art Festival has grown into a major contemporary art platform uniting artists, galleries, and institutions across India. With a focus on inclusivity, it has redefined the art fair model by empowering independent and mid-level artists, especially from rural and semi-urban regions. Now active in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, the festival has evolved into a nationwide movement celebrating India’s creative diversity. Minakshi Patil, Director of India Art Festival, said, “India Art Festival was envisioned as a democratic platform to connect artists directly with audiences. What began as a space for underrepresented voices has grown into a national art movement that celebrates India’s creative diversity”.
The 2025 Delhi edition continued IAF’s acclaimed dual-pavilion format, dividing the space between leading art galleries and the Artist’s Pavilion for independent artists. IAF 2025 presented a diverse mix of paintings, sculptures, photography, and prints, encompassing traditional, figurative, abstract, surreal, and experimental art. Themes range from spirituality, nature, and social narratives to modernist and cubist interpretations of Indian identity. Collectors discovered both emerging and established masters, with many artists presenting new series and experimental works created specially for that edition. The galleries showcased a diverse mix of young and master artists, including M. F. Husain, Krishen Khanna, Jogen Chowdhury, Akbar Padamsee, Anjolie Ela Menon, Paresh Maity, Manu Parekh, Atul Dodiya, T. Vaikuntam, and Lalu Prasad Shaw, among others.
Some of the artists shared their insights with this reporter, offering a vivid panorama of creative expression that spanned diverse media, styles, and artistic philosophies.
Ushmita Aggarwal, a self-taught artist, describes her creative path as one deeply influenced by the traumas she has faced and her exploration across various disciplines.
She approaches art as a direct dialogue—a communication between her subconscious and conscious self.
She said, “My exhibited collection, ‘Construct’ is a collection of acrylic on canvas artworks which is a visual narrative about growth. Each piece is drawn from significant life lessons and experiences, and together, they interlock to form a single, evolving story. It is an honest documentation of my personal journey and the process of understanding life, myself and growth.”
Ushmita’s background spans Interior Design—currently her primary focus—as well as Industrial Design and Fashion Design, providing her with a strong multidisciplinary foundation in creative and spatial thinking.
This interdisciplinary experience allows her to approach her expressive artwork with a deep understanding of composition, form, material, and colour psychology.
She is also an emerging writer, with two books published so far. The themes explored in “Construct” resonate closely with the philosophical ideas she delves into in her writing.
She said, “My first book, ‘ A Journey of Reflection’, is an accumulation of 100 questions I have asked myself during my healing journey. I feel more than advice or watching examples of people who overcome their traumas, what helps more are questions one asks themselves—not the kind that put a time limit, but which urge answers when they resonate within.”
Her second book, “Karmic Trials: Unfolding of Unforgettable Souls,” is, as she explains, “a theory on mythology, the first in the series—it explores how experiences shape people and how those choices can impact souls.”
Dhananjay Chakraborty Showcases His Vibrant Artistic World
Born in Budbud, a small town in West Bengal, Dhananjay Chakraborty was raised in an artistic environment that nurtured his creative spirit from an early age. He completed a five-year diploma from Nikhil Bharat Sangeet Kala Samiti, where he honed his artistic skills and developed a distinctive style.
Dhananjay is proficient in both acrylic and oil mediums, demonstrating exceptional control over the spatula technique to create rich, textured surfaces. His works are recognised for their expressive use of colour and depth.
His artistic themes often revolve around Banaras Ghats, cityscapes, and animals, which he brings to life through his imagination and mastery of form. Using the spatula as his primary tool, he builds compositions that balance structure with emotional resonance. He also participated in various art exhibitions.
Dev Mehta: Bridging Emotion and Experimentation in Contemporary Art
Dev Mehta, a prolific contemporary visual artist, continues to captivate audiences with his emotionally resonant and conceptually rich creations. From an early age, Mehta embraced art as a transformative force—one that thrives on freedom, experimentation, and the power to provoke introspection.
His artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that art should transcend language, becoming a divine medium of communication. Every brushstroke, texture, and hue in his work is crafted to evoke layered interpretations, inviting viewers into a dialogue that shifts with each encounter.
Drawing inspiration from global traditions and artistic movements, Mehta’s practice spans a wide array of materials—from linen and jute to archival paper. His fascination with paper as a medium reflects a deeper metaphor: transformation. “How something so simple,” he notes, “can evolve into an object of meaning and emotion.”
In the conversation, Mehta shared insights into his latest series, “Demotional”, which explores the paradox of being “detached yet emotional.” The collection reflects the delicate balance between composure and feeling in modern life. This follows his acclaimed project Tranquil in Paradise, a study in abstraction, cubism, and modernism that interpreted the essence of simple life forms through refined aesthetic expression.
Currently, Mehta is immersed in what he calls his Paper Period, blending Persian and Mughal artistic influences with cubist elements. “Through each piece,” he says, “I invite viewers to reflect on life’s fragility and beauty, offering them a moment of introspection within a visually compelling experience.”
As his practice evolves, Dev Mehta continues to push boundaries—reaffirming his belief that art, in all its forms, holds the power to connect, transform, and transcend.
Mansi Gupta: Rooted in Nature, Guided by Design
Mansi Gupta, an architect and MBA graduate, is a self-taught artist whose creative journey began in childhood and continues to evolve with time. At the current exhibition, she presented a body of work developed over the past two to three years, deeply inspired by the trees of India—banyan, neem, gulmohar, and others that shape the subcontinent’s everyday landscapes.
Her artistic vision draws from Japanese philosophies such as shinrin yoku (forest bathing) and wabi-sabi, as well as the organic patterns, textures, and repetitions found in natural growth. She explores the interplay of light and shadow, structure and chaos, geometry and flow—elements that reflect both her architectural training and her intuitive artistic sensibility.
She said, “My work is inspired by trees and the natural and urban landscapes around us,” she shared. “I draw from the geometry, rhythm, and structure found in nature, using them as a framework for exploring ideas of stillness, connection, and presence. Through my art, I hope to create spaces of pause and reflection—a reminder of the mindfulness we experience when surrounded by trees.”
Discussing her technique, she explained, “I primarily work with watercolours, ink, and pen. My process often combines precise line work with fluid colour blocking, allowing structure and spontaneity to coexist on the paper. I experiment with washes, gradients, and layered patterns, balancing organic forms with architectural sensibilities.”
Reflecting on her participation, she added, “My experience at this exhibition has been very positive. It offers a valuable platform to showcase my work, connect with fellow artists, engage with potential clients, and network with gallery owners.”
Laxmi Chamaria: Bridging Tradition and Modernity Through Art
Indian visual artist Laxmi Chamaria, born in Rajaldesar, Rajasthan, has spent over 25 years exploring the interplay between traditional and contemporary art forms. A self-taught artist, her creative journey reflects a deep curiosity, keen observation, and an enduring spirit of experimentation.
Working primarily in oil painting, Tanjore, and relief, Chamaria has developed a distinctive visual language that seamlessly blends classical techniques with modern expression.
Her oil paintings stand out for their layered brushwork, mastery of light, and rich emotional depth. Through her Tanjore art, she revives a centuries-old South Indian tradition, using gold foil, semi-precious stones, and intricate detailing to create works of spiritual radiance. In her relief paintings, made with marble dust, colour pigments, and mixed media, she brings a sculptural dimension to the canvas, skillfully merging texture, form, and visual storytelling.
Amisha Zanzaria: Finding Peace and Purpose Through Paper Quilling
Amisha Zanzaria, a passionate paper quilling artist, began her creative journey around 2010–11, initially pursuing the craft as a hobby. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she found deep peace and engagement in the intricate art of paper quilling, which soon evolved into a dedicated artistic practice. Inspired by fellow artists on social media, particularly Instagram, she began exploring the endless creative possibilities of working with paper.
An M.A. in English Literature (1992) by qualification, Zanzaria later pursued a course in Fine Arts, further strengthening her artistic foundation.
At her recent exhibition, she showcased a series of paper quilling mandalas, reflecting patience, precision, and meditative expression.
“It’s a very well-organised platform for upcoming as well as established artists,” she said, emphasising the importance of such events in bringing together artists, critics, and collectors. Through her evolving practice, Amisha continues to blend creativity with mindfulness, transforming delicate strips of paper into vivid expressions of emotion and balance.
Smita Chatterjee Chakraverty: Promoting Indian Art Through Passion and Purpose
Smita Chatterjee Chakraverty, owner of Smita Art, Kolkata, has been an active figure in India’s art scene since 2000, when she founded her art dealing venture. A postgraduate in Commerce and a qualified Interior Designer, her deep inclination towards art and aesthetics naturally led her to the world of art appreciation and curation.
Chakraverty is currently the in-charge of the Framing Division of Chemould Art Gallery, Kolkata, and also serves as the curator of the Art Kolkata portion. Over the years, she has been a regular participant at the India Art Festival (IAF), showcasing an impressive collection that includes M.F. Husain prints, as well as works by senior Bengal masters such as Jogen Chowdhury, Lalu Shaw, Ganesh Haloi, Rabin Mondal, and Suhas Roy, alongside contemporary artists from Bengal, Maharashtra, and Hyderabad.
According to Chakraverty, the display at this year’s exhibition was “well-received by visitors and collectors alike.” Beyond her professional pursuits, she is involved in social service as a Rotarian, supporting young and emerging artists through various Rotary art initiatives and student development projects.
With over two decades in the field, Smita continues to strengthen Kolkata’s artistic ecosystem—bridging tradition, commerce, and community through her enduring dedication to Indian art.
Neeraj Sharma: Bridging Tradition and Abstraction Through Art
Neeraj Sharma is a contemporary Indian artist whose work explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Drawing inspiration from India’s rich cultural heritage, Sharma weaves classical motifs into abstract compositions, creating a visual dialogue that connects the past with the present, the personal with the collective.
His art is a layered exploration of form, colour, and symbolism—where textures and brushstrokes speak to memory, identity, and belonging. Each piece invites viewers into a moment of introspection, encouraging reflection on the shared human experience.
Working across diverse mediums and techniques—from fluid brushwork to bold geometries—Sharma has developed a visual language that is both meditative and dynamic. His practice reflects a deep belief in creative expression as a bridge: one that connects cultures, generations, and inner worlds.
“My art,” Sharma says, “is an offering—a space to pause, reflect, and engage with the timeless questions of existence, beauty, and resilience.”
India Art Festival functions not only as an exhibition but also as a vibrant marketplace where collectors, institutions, and first-time buyers engage directly with artists and galleries. By eliminating traditional barriers and creating an accessible art environment, IAF fosters meaningful dialogue and transparent art transactions. Over the years, the festival has built a loyal community of art lovers and patrons who see it as a space for discovery, cultural exchange, and artistic growth. The 2025 edition continues this legacy, reinforcing IAF’s role as a catalyst in India’s expanding art ecosystem.
Read More : Speaking Art Fest 3: A Celebration of Creativity, Consciousness, and Culture
