Work by Ramesh Gorjala | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The India Art Festival (IAF) is set to kick off in Hyderabad as a three-day ‘multi-sensory art festival’ that will celebrate a variety of art forms and artists. Visitors can explore 85 stalls displaying 3,500 artworks – paintings, sculptures and installations – created by 290 senior and emerging artists from across the country and enjoy musical performances, live art and film screenings.
Mega Fair
A work by Tauseef Khan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Having organised the exhibition in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru for 14 years since it began in 2011, founder Rajendra Patil says Hyderabad was a natural choice. “As per our market survey, Hyderabad is perfect for such a mega art fair. The city has around 11,000 corporate – small and medium scale employees across various sectors who want to create an inspiring ambiance with art in their living rooms.”
Platform for all
Rajendra Patil | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
When Rajendra announced the India Art Festival in 2010, it was only for ‘top galleries’, with no participation from mid-level galleries and independent artists. On creating a mixed art festival after surveying the art fair model, he says, “Many independent artists from rural and semi-urban areas in India depend on public/democratic platforms to showcase their art, as it is difficult for them to join the gallery system.” Whole world.
A work by Lakshman Aale | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
IAF follows the Art Expo model, one of the oldest art fairs in New York (over 45 years old now). He likes this model because its democratic presentation provides a platform for independent artists and galleries. “Most art fairs are ‘galleries only’ or ‘artists only’. The New York model is a mix, which benefits artists and visitors as art lovers get to see works by master artists and emerging trends under one roof.”
Space for everyone
A work by Roy K John | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Rajendra, art writer and president of the Bombay Art Society, says the initial years are tough for art graduates. “Galleries choose artists based on the sales potential of the work, so established artists find space, but freshers from art colleges and those with no foothold in the art world face challenges. This model aims to democratise the sale and purchase of art.”
A work by Joseph Arakkal | Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement
Of the 290 participating artists, 60 are from Hyderabad. Galleries from Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Singapore – Gyani Arts, which has been associated with the festival since its first edition in 2011 – have also taken stalls. “We have expanded from Mumbai to Delhi, Bengaluru and now Hyderabad….It is the only art fair that has a pan-India presence and organises annual art festivals in metro cities. It is popular among the city’s art collectors, buyers, architects and interior designers for its mixed flavour and is also affordable.”
India Art Festival (IAF) at King’s Kohinoor (Crown) Convention in Rethibavalli from June 7 to 9, 11am to 8pm; Tickets: ₹300
