From leading South Asian and international galleries to
pioneering institutions and dynamic, experimental spaces, India Art Fair 2026
brought together a constellation of voices shaping South Asia’s artistic
landscape.
This year, the fair
once again showcased the region’s creative energy, and went beyond geographical
boundaries to create a deeper and more nuanced encounter with noble ideas,
original practices and unique perspectives.
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| The Qutab Minar from 'Monuments' by Samiksha Singh |
What was striking was the mixed media used to create a
thought or message, pushing the boundaries some more. Take for example artist
Samiksha Singh’s ‘Monuments’, which was on display. It features intricate
thread work and speaks of the connection between architecture and the longevity
of ideas. A column from Qutab Minar Complex that had people awestruck standing
around it at any point of time, made by carefully threading copper zari onto
soluble fabric, dissolving its base and leaving a delicate structure that looks
ethereal. Samiksha is a contemporary Indian artist selected to represent India
at the 61st Venice Biennale.
According to Rukshaan Krishna, an art gallery owner from
Mumbai, “People are more receptive to experimentation as long as the art work
carries a strong thought.” The works of artist Girjesh Kumar Singh whom she
represents comes with just that. The art works titled ‘Haal Mukaam’ is made of
brick and mortar, exploring themes of Identity and Migration. There is also
history being brought back to life, with the bricks retrieved from a
huge shed razed to the ground at the old property of Maharaja Gaekwad. For
Rukshaan, the artist is best described as a “Master carver with every art work
of his reflecting a soul that makes it special.”
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| One from Haal Mukaam by Girjesh Kumar Singh |
A theme that kept recurring in the art work across
galleries was the wrestle in life’s journey to move from the known to unknown
and the underlying emotional stages.
The work of artist
Mohammad Intiyaz made from waste metal pipes entangled in a maze of water taps,
depicts the insecurity and the uncertainty of water shortage and the consequent
migration in search for resources that tire out many. According to curator and founder of Method
art gallery, Sahil Arora, "Artists are increasingly using different forms
to talk about subjects such as genocide, minority oppression and erasure of
women heritage.”
The sensitivity is palpable in the art works that make you
pause to think some more. The art work of artist Sagar Kamble seems to depict a
story or an ongoing tussle between nature and man. His striking village scene
rendition with the central figure a woman, inspired by his mother, reflects how
the woman of the family carries the burden through the challenges of
deforestation and climate change apart from changing politics. His works are
monuments to the women of his family where he intricately decorates the
painting with pieces of cloth from the sarees they have discarded.
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| Dark rains by Sagar Kamble |
Talking of social messaging, the colourful life-like
paintings by Visual artist Dhiraj Dhiman from Chandigarh speaks of
“Generational acceptance” while exploring themes such as self-acceptance and human
psyche. He uses stylized figurative forms, layered textures, and rich,
patterned surfaces to reflect emotional states and intimacy. He works with
mixed media on canvas and sculpture.
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| 'Generational Acceptance' by Dhiraj Dhiman |
All in all , The Art Fair 2026 was a trip into
great minds with different artistic sensibilities. To make it a holistic
experience there were talks, tours and outdoor displays compelling you to delve
deeper while revisiting the annual landmark event in the characteristic vibrant
energy that envelops the air.
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