Delhi’s India Art Fair Expands to Showcase Experimental Art

The 17th edition of the India Art Fair is set to open in New Delhi on February 5, bringing a fresh focus on emerging and experimental art practices from across South Asia. The fair, held at Triveni Kala Sangam and other nearby venues, has expanded significantly this year with 135 exhibitors, including 27 participants showing at the fair for the first time.

Visitors at the fair will see a wide range of creative works, from sculptures and installations to immersive environments. One example is an uneven gallery floor made of raw materials like exposed brick, sand, and wood, designed to challenge the traditional idea of a “white cube” gallery space. This approach reflects a broader trend toward art that pushes boundaries and invites deeper engagement.

A key part of the fair is the Young Collectors’ Programme (YCP), which aims to introduce lesser-known contemporary artists to new audiences and potential collectors. The works in this section are priced between roughly ₹20,000 and ₹26 lakh, making contemporary art more accessible and encouraging early-stage collecting.

In addition to gallery booths, the fair offers talks, panel discussions, and guided tours in multiple languages, creating opportunities for dialogue between artists, curators, and visitors. The fair’s director, Jaya Asokan, says this growth and diversity reflect how the region’s art landscape is evolving, with more voices, practices, and creative approaches than ever before.

Overall, the 17th India Art Fair continues to be an important platform for new ideas in contemporary art, showcasing both established figures and fresh talent while encouraging audiences to think differently about what art can be.