India Art Fair (IAF) has forayed into the art circuit of Hyderabad with its new initiative, IAF EDI+IONS – a series of city-specific exhibitions. The two-day showcase, held on November 1 and 2 at RMZ The Loft, HITEC City, will feature a curated mix of modern and contemporary art along with limited-edition design collections.
of tradition and modernity
Urmila 2025 by Ravinder Reddy | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Hyderabad has been on our radar for some time,” says Jaya Ashokan, director, India Art Fair (IAF), explaining the decision to bring the IAF edition to the city. “The city beautifully balances history with innovation – it is deeply rooted in its cultural traditions, yet is constantly reinventing itself. Over the past few years, we have seen remarkable growth in its arts ecosystem – from galleries and foundations to collectors and patrons who are actively engaged with contemporary art.”
The curation, says Jaya, was shaped by Hyderabad itself – its balance of tradition and modernity, and its openness to innovation. The exhibit celebrates diversity and is “intentionally interdisciplinary.” “It reflects how creative practices are evolving in India – drawing inspiration from local craft traditions while engaging with the global contemporary landscape,” she explains.
Jaya Ashokan Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Visitors can view works by established and emerging Indian artists across a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation and design. “Guided walkthroughs and art tours are designed to foster dialogue between artists, collectors and visitors. It’s an intimate format that aims to deepen engagement while maintaining the curatorial rigor of the fair,” says Jaya.
Hyderabad representation
Hyderabad is represented by the city’s own galleries – Dhee Contemporary, Kalakari Art Gallery and Srishti Art Gallery. “They have played a vital role in shaping the cultural fabric of the city,” says Jaya. “Their participation ensures that the showcase remains rooted in Hyderabad’s artistic identity while engaging in a broader conversation on contemporary art and design.”
The event will also include a gallery walkthrough on October 31, inviting audiences to see these spaces first-hand, meet gallerists and artists in their own environments, learn about their history and see how the city’s creative landscape is evolving.
‘Hidden Vision’ by Arjun Das Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Although pleased to see “remarkable progress in the quality of exhibitions, the scale of participation and the way collectors acquire work”, Jaya says the focus is now on building strong regional networks, supporting young artists and maintaining the global momentum of South Asian art. “The challenge is to keep evolving – to remain relevant in a constantly changing art world. Our mission has always been to serve as a bridge between local and global audiences, and every new initiative brings us one step closer to that goal.”
India Art Fair Contemporary, initially scheduled to be held in Mumbai in November 2025, will not go ahead in its earlier format. “Instead,” Jaya explains, “we are shifting our efforts to a more integrated approach – building meaningful collaborations with institutions and partners in multiple cities, ensuring that IAF continues to connect regional creativity with international dialogue.”
Who is the Boss by Amit Ambalal | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This is how IAF Edition, a new curatorial initiative, has been conceived – starting from Hyderabad this year and traveling across cities. “The idea is not to replicate the same model everywhere, but to adapt and respond to each space – its artists, galleries, curators and audiences – in ways that feel relevant and meaningful,” says Jaya. “If Hyderabad wants us back, we will come back. But IAF Editions intends to create a network of interconnected groups across India – each with a distinct character, yet united by a shared vision: strengthening the regional ecosystem and broadening the global conversation around South Asian art and design.”
Brick by Brick, Bone by Bone, by Radhika Khimji | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
With IAF EDI+IONS, a series of curated showcases across India, India Art Fair aims to expand its regional footprint and celebrate the best of art and culture from across South Asia.
IAF EDI+IONS Hyderabad opens on 1-2 November at RMZ The Loft, Hyderabad; The 17th edition of India Art Fair will be held from February 5-8, 2026 at NSIC Grounds, New Delhi.
published – October 29, 2025 02:30 PM IST