The India Art Festival 2024 (IAF’24) has established itself as the largest art fair in India, attracting a diverse audience of visitors and art enthusiasts. It commenced on November 14, 2024, at the Constitution Club of India on Rafi Marg in New Delhi. Inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Jatin Das, in the presence of Shri Prayag Shukla eminent poet and art critic, Shri Yusuf eminent artists.
In its 14th edition, the festival showcased 30 galleries and featured 450 artists, presenting over 3,500 artworks across 100 air-conditioned booths. This four-day celebration of art includes fusion shows, live music, art performances, demonstrations, and screenings of the film “The Eternal Canvas” promising art enthusiasts and collectors an immersive journey through India’s contemporary art scene.
This annual festival brought a rich array of artistic talent, featuring both celebrated and emerging voices from across the country. Founded in 2008 by the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, the exhibition was hosted to provide visibility and support for artists in rural and semi-urban areas and has since expanded into a nationwide art movement that reaches major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Komal Tambekar, a 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 endeavor 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.”
Mousumi Bhattacharyya is a visual artist and a member of the Majlis Art Forum, whose passion for art began in childhood under the mentorship of artist Bibhas Roy. Despite having an academic background in pure science, she chose to follow her artistic passion. Mousumi works with a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, and soft pastel, and she strives to evoke emotions and inspire others through her creative work.
The Majlis Art Forum is a self-help group formed in 2017 as a nonprofit organization, consisting of more than 40 artist members. The forum conducts group exhibitions, workshops, artist meetings, art camps, commissioned works, and social initiatives.
Mousumi shared, “My journey began in childhood under the guidance of artist Bibhas Roy. Although I have a background in pure science, I transitioned fully into art after moving to Delhi with my husband. I left my job at North Bengal University to pursue my passion for painting and began teaching children. I completed a diploma at the National School of Fine Arts and earned an MA in painting from Venkateshwara Open University. I have participated in numerous exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Skilled in various mediums like acrylic, oil, watercolor, and pastels, I approach my art with passion, aiming to evoke emotions and inspire others.”
Another artist Pooja Vijayarangan a participant at IAF’ 24, and a self-taught Alcohol Ink Artist from Pune, Maharashtra, with her Creative And aesthetic mind driven by her passion for art, says, her studio Messy Ever After® based in Pune welcomes everyone from all over the world. She believes that life is a personal canvas meant to be filled with vibrant colors, with the journey of learning and growth being as beautiful as the masterpiece itself
She said “the artistic force & the principal designer behind Messy Ever After® an art and design studio that has become my creative sanctuary. My journey as a passionate alcohol ink artist took flight after spending six years soaring the skies, and in a bold move, I explored uncharted territories, paving the way for my full-time artist career in 2021.
“My art journey was like stepping into a world of uncertainty, filled with doubts and a mind clouded but, the courage to dive in, fueled by grit and determination I embraced the opportunity to learn and grow, immersing myself in the study of art. In 2021, I founded my studio as a humble art and design studio, which has since blossomed into a thriving commercial enterprise beyond my wildest dreams. I started hosting Alcohol ink art workshops and since then it has been welcoming everyone from all over.”
For her, every step in art and life is a celebration of beauty and discovery. At India Art Festival’ 24 in Delhi, Day one was a beautiful experience with many walk-ins and VIP guest previews of her work.
“Showcasing at India Art Festival gave me the platform to make connections, meet clients with various tastes, and decorate walls with handmade unique alcohol ink art. Every painting I make is a piece of my heart. And when I sign them, it’s like sending warm hugs from my world to yours.” She added.
For Nivedita Sharma from Delhi, art is poetry and every part of it has some story attached to it. Done master’s in Fine Arts and has been working for the last 21 years and still going on with her work
She said “The best way to express what is happening inside me is my Canvas intuitively telling the stories that are not just my own, but those of my family, friends, and the women that have permeated my life. Life is beautiful no matter what we are going through. We need to see beauty in it and that’s the meaning of my art. I don’t restrict myself to any mediums or style but I’m interested in bright colors which bring happiness within. I’m interested only in expressing basic emotions that we women hide inside ourselves. I work with all kinds of mediums since for me art has no boundaries but I do specialize in oil and acrylic. Painting women’s emotions is my specialty.”
Shri Rajendra Patil, Founder and Festival Director, informed India Art Festival identified a significant gap in the art infrastructure of India, where there are limited platforms to support over 200,000 practicing artists. This realization led to the creation of a dual exhibition model designed for both galleries and independent artists, initially launched in Mumbai. The festival aims to create an inclusive platform that showcases the work of artists from rural and semi-urban areas, enabling a broader audience to appreciate their art.
