



Dilip Guha :: New Delhi : The India Art Festival 2024 (IAF’24), now recognized as the largest art fair in India, kicked off on November 14, 2024, at the Constitution Club of India on Rafi Marg in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan awardee Jatin Das, with distinguished guests including poet and art critic Shri Prayag Shukla, and eminent artist Shri Yusuf.
In its 14th edition, the festival featured 30 galleries and showcased the work of 450 artists, with more than 3,500 artworks displayed across 100 air-conditioned booths. Over the course of four days, the event offered an immersive experience for art lovers, with highlights including fusion art shows, live music, art performances, demonstrations, and screenings of the film “The Eternal Canvas”.
Celebrating both established and emerging artists from across India, the festival provided a platform for a diverse range of voices in contemporary art. Originally founded in 2008 by the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, the India Art Festival was created to support and promote artists from rural and semi-urban areas. Over the years, it has grown into a nationwide art movement, reaching major cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, and continuing to enrich the cultural landscape of India.
Mousumi Bhattacharyya is a visual artist and an active member of the Majlis Art Forum, a collective of over 40 artists dedicated to promoting art through exhibitions, workshops, and social initiatives. Her artistic journey began in childhood, mentored by renowned artist Bibhas Roy. Despite an academic background in pure science, Mousumi chose to follow her true calling in the arts.
Working with a diverse range of mediums—including acrylic, oil, watercolour, pastel, and soft pastel—she seeks to evoke deep emotions and inspire others through her creative expression. Mousumi’s artistic path took a pivotal turn after relocating to Delhi with her husband, where she left her job at North Bengal University to pursue her passion full-time. She further honed her skills with a diploma from the National School of Fine Arts and an MA in painting from Venkateshwara Open University.
Mousumi has participated in numerous exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, and continues to make a mark in the art world. As she reflects on her journey, she shares, “My journey began in childhood under the guidance of artist Bibhas Roy. Although my background is in pure science, I fully transitioned into art after moving to Delhi. I left my academic career to follow my passion for painting and began teaching children. My work, in various mediums like acrylic, oil, watercolour, and pastels, is driven by a deep passion to evoke emotions and inspire others.”
Komal Tambekar, another participant at IAF ’24, from Pune, has been Cultivating Artistic Vision and Mentoring Future Creators since 2009. She is a dedicated artist and art educator, honed her craft with a degree in Art Education from Bharati Vidyapeeth University in Pune has managed her art studio, a creative space that stands as a testament to her commitment to both artistry and education. Her work speaks of her dedication to detail and a love for the flow of lines and textures. Through this focus on form, she finds a distinctive voice that adds depth and dynamism to her canvases. Her artistic journey is one of continual discovery, as she seeks to refine her style and uncover the limitless possibilities within her creative practice.
She said “With each brushstroke, tries to bring the vision to life, striving to capture the beauty of forms in a way that not only fills canvas but channels her inner expression, energy, and momentum. My artistry is an exploration of style, an endeavour where each piece becomes a unique manifestation of form and speed. In addition to her work, Komal is deeply invested in fostering a vibrant art culture among the next generation.
Komal’s studio has become a space where aspiring artists are encouraged to explore, experiment, and grow. Her role as an art educator goes beyond instruction; it is about empowering students to find their unique artistic voices. Through her dedication to both creating and teaching, she is shaping a legacy that celebrates artistic beauty, supports emerging talent, and contributes significantly to the art landscape.
“Mentoring young artists is a source of inspiration and energy for me, and allows me to contribute to the art community in a meaningful way. I believe in nurturing the artistic scene and developing new talent, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive and evolve.”
She was excited at the participation in IAF ’24. She said “The India Art Festival is the perfect place for me to connect with art lovers, curators, and buyers. It’s a vibrant platform that brings together diverse voices from the art world, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and creative exchange. Whether it’s discussing artistic techniques, showcasing unique styles, or meeting potential collaborators and collectors, this festival immerses me in a dynamic community where every interaction is an inspiration.”
Pooja Vijayarangan, a self-taught Alcohol Ink Artist from Pune, Maharashtra, is a participant at IAF’24 and the creative force behind *Messy Ever After®*, her art and design studio. Driven by a passion for art and an aesthetic vision, Pooja believes life itself is a personal canvas, meant to be filled with vibrant colours, with the journey of growth and learning as beautiful as the masterpiece itself.
“My studio, Messy Ever After®, based in Pune, is a welcoming space for people from all over the world,” she shares. “It’s a reflection of my creative sanctuary—a place where I channel my artistic energy.”
Pooja’s journey into the world of alcohol ink art began after six years of flying high in the skies. In 2021, she took a bold step into the unknown, transitioning her career into a full-time artist. “It was a leap into uncertainty, with doubts clouding my mind. But my determination to learn, grow, and immerse myself in the world of art became my guiding force,” she explains. “Starting my studio was a humble beginning, but it has since blossomed into something I never imagined. I began hosting workshops, and today, Messy Ever After® is a thriving hub of creativity and inspiration, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world.”
Pooja’s art is not just about creating beautiful pieces—it’s about creating connections, sharing stories, and celebrating the journey of life through colour and creativity. For Pooja, every step in art and life is an opportunity for beauty and discovery. At the India Art Festival 2024 in Delhi, she had an unforgettable experience on Day 1, with numerous walk-ins and VIP guest previews of her work. “Being part of the India Art Festival gave me the chance to connect with clients of all tastes and decorate spaces with unique, handmade alcohol ink art. Every piece I create is a part of my soul. When I sign my paintings, it feels like I’m sending a warm hug from my world to yours,” she says with heartfelt sincerity.
Nivedita Sharma, an artist from Delhi, views art as a form of poetry, with every brushstroke telling a story. With a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and over 21 years of experience, she continues to pour her heart into her work. Nivedita explains, “The best way to express what’s inside me is through my canvas, which intuitively tells stories that are not only my own but also those of my family, friends, and the women who have shaped my life. Life is beautiful, no matter the challenges we face. We must learn to see beauty in it—that is the essence of my art.”
Her creative process knows no limits—she works with various mediums and styles but is particularly drawn to bright colours that evoke happiness and light. Nivedita focuses on expressing the raw emotions that women often conceal, capturing the depth and complexity of inner worlds. While she is versatile in her choice of materials, her expertise lies in oil and acrylic painting, where she specializes in portraying the emotional landscape of women.
Anukta Mukherjee Ghosh is an artist who brings life to the world through her vibrant colours. Her work blends contemporary and realistic styles, reflecting her deep connection to India’s diversity. She believes that art can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her artwork, which adorns private and corporate spaces in India and internationally, includes notable projects like those for ITC Royal Bengal and Speciality Restaurant’s Chourangi in London.
After a decade in the corporate world, Anukta transitioned to art, earning a Diploma with distinction from London Art College. Her painting “Magan” was recognized by the Government of India and became the emblem for the GeM initiative. She was also featured on Amitabh Bachchan’s blog in 2018. At the India Art Festival, she showcased a series inspired by her journey to Varanasi, capturing the diverse people and moods of the city through expressive spatula and brush strokes.
Shri Rajendra Patil, Founder and Festival Director of India Art Festival (IAF), recognized a significant gap in India’s art infrastructure, where over 200,000 practising artists lacked adequate platforms. To address this, he launched IAF with a dual exhibition model, catering to both galleries and independent artists, starting in Mumbai. The festival seeks to create an inclusive space for artists from rural and semi-urban areas, broadening the audience for their work. IAF’s mission is to democratize art presentation by directly connecting artists with galleries, collectors, and art lovers. Its artist-centered approach has gained widespread support, particularly among independent artists and mid-level galleries, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and audiences across India.
