Art by Kappari Kishan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The lack of public art galleries in India and the limited spaces for emerging artists to showcase their work inspired Rajendra Patil to launch the India Art Festival in Mumbai in 2011. Since then, the founder-director has taken the public art program to New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
With the 2025 edition taking place in Bengaluru this week, Rajendra explains how the idea behind starting the festival was simple: to create a platform for artists. “In 2011, there were no art fairs in the metros. As an art activist associated with the Bombay Art Society, I strongly felt the need to create opportunities for both urban and rural artists as well as art galleries.”
Art by P Gyana | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Now in its fifth edition, the festival will showcase over 3,000 artworks from over 20 galleries and 300 artists from 25 cities across India. Artists will present a range of artworks across mediums such as paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, installations and traditional art forms.
Putting individual artists at the core of the festival, Rajendra created a dual model consisting of an art gallery pavilion and an artist pavilion. “Since there are very few public art galleries in India, many talented artists struggle to find space to showcase their work. The festival aims to bridge that gap,” he says, adding that 50-60% of repeat participants every year include new artists.
“Some of the artists making their debut this year include watercolor artist Anil Varghese; Rajiv Rai, who experiments with photography and mixed media; young talents like Dev Mehta, Aarti Singvi, Khushi Sancheti, Rigden Lama.”
Rajendra Patil Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For the 2025 edition, he is presenting a curated landscape art show titled ‘Brush Strokes of Karnataka’, curated by KS Appajaiah, former dean, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad College of Fine Arts.
Rajendra explains, “The show brings together leading landscape artists who beautifully depict the natural and cultural heritage of Karnataka: its historical sites such as Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, as well as its forests, rivers, hills, rural life and temple architecture.”
Artwork by Anjali Prabhakar Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
As far as new art forms being explored this year are concerned, he says the line-up includes artists Arul Murugan and Parimal who will showcase a blend of modern art and Tanjore styles; M Narayan will present watercolors of polo players; And galleries like Studio3 Art Gallery in Mumbai, Sara Arakkal Gallery in Bengaluru etc. will showcase contemporary art and creations by senior artists.
Art by Rajiv Rai | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Rajendra says, performing in Bengaluru is always a victory. “The city has a vibrant, diverse and growing community that appreciates the arts. Young professionals, families and collectors here regularly come to art events. Therefore, the Festival supports artists, especially from rural and semi-urban areas, and also caters to art lovers.”
12-14 December at Crown Pavilion, Palace Grounds – Gate No. 5
published – December 10, 2025 03:36 PM IST