Spotlighted Moments at the India Art Fair

The India Art Fair returned to the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi from 6-9 February 2025, showcasing a record 120 exhibitors and attracting art enthusiasts from around the globe.

International galleries such as Galleria Continua, Lisson, Aicon Contemporary, and David Zwirner joined the fair, alongside local powerhouses like Vadehra Gallery, Nature Morte, and Tarq. This year, the first-time participation of the Lagos gallery, kó, and the long-awaited return of influential galleries like David Zwirner and Lisson Gallery added an international flavour to the event.

Mumbai gallery Tarq presented seven women artists working on ecology through their individual and personal lenses. The historic Dhoomimal Art Gallery showcased works by Francis Newton Souza and MF Husain, while Jaipur Rugs launched Aspura, a new gallery for collectible carpets, featuring a triptych by Rashid Rana.

Scott Gray, CEO of IAF's parent company Angus Montgomery Arts, praised the fair for its record number of exhibitors and strong sales. He expressed his excitement about expanding the fair's programming beyond Delhi to other creative hubs across India.

The Design section expanded to 11 pioneering studios and featured seventeen emerging Indian designers. Rooshad Shroff's Balance collection, with fluid, rounded lines and explorations of new materials, was a standout. Ashiesh Shah's Poothan Dhokra Wall Sconces, featuring Dhokra-crafted eggs symbolizing the Brahmand, also caught the eye of many visitors.

Dayanita Singh was presented by Nature Morte, one of the country's leading galleries. Subodh Gupta's Mars Kitchen and Bharti Kher's The Watchman sculpture were also presented by Nature Morte. Vikram Goyal presented The Shaded Graphite collection, which included a large cabinet, mirror, and sconce with patinated surfaces mimicking shaded graphite.

Carpenters Workshop Gallery showcased a selection of historical and contemporary pieces, including Maarten Baas' Close Parity Cabinet with Light. Chanakya Foundation and Chanakya School of Craft presented abstract and symbolic work that explored the interconnection between humanity and nature through handwoven textiles and hand embroidery.

David Zwirner's senior director, James Green, expressed excitement about the fair's return after the Covid hiatus. Scott Gray also looked forward to the future, with plans to bring the fair to other creative hubs across India.

While the search results do not provide specific information on which designers or galleries formerly active in India but absent in recent years returned to participate in the India Art Fair 2025 in Delhi, the event was a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving Indian art scene.