The just-concluded India Art Fair in New Delhi marked the coming-of-age of the marketplace for art in India, bringing together artists, art connoisseurs, auction house representatives and laymen in a fusion of interests. Ninety one exhibitors, including Delhi Art Gallery, and about 1,000 artists from 60 countries participated. The fair registered sales of more than ₹20 crore with 96 per cent of the exhibitors reporting a sell-out.

Neha Kirpal, founder and director of the fair said, “The Indian art scene is no longer elitist. In fact, the fair has been more ‘democratic’ than ever before with people from every walk of life and every age group attending and admiring the show. “This year,” she adds, “the Fair focused on contemporary art by young artists from India and abroad. It was all about education and access.”

More footfalls The fair played host to a range of collectors, from around the world. Buying by Indian collectors drove a significant percentage of the sales, whether they were non-resident Indians or young collectors from Tier-II cities. Collector Rajiv Savara noted that the quality and footfalls of galleries is moving northwards.

There was significant international participation with 12 new galleries from Paris, Lisbon, Cologne, Barcelona, Madrid, Istanbul, Tel Aviv and Karachi among other cities. Most of their works were sold out completely.

The single biggest buyer at the 2014 edition of India Art Fair was Kiran Nadar, founder and director of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. The Himalayas Art Museum in Shanghai and the Mark Rothko Museum in Latvia, were among the other international museums present.

Making a statement The first work that caught your attention as you walked in was M.I.S.S.I.N.G. by Leena Kejriwal, a metaphor for the end of the struggle for identity. Prominent galleries such as The Guild, Gallery Maskara and Latitude 28 chose to showcase solo projects.

LN Tallur’s Path Finder , Subodh Gupta’s Aura , Sheba Chachi’s The Mermaid’s Mirror , Dayanita Singh’s File Room , Narendra Yadav’s That Original May Also Be a Reflection stood out for their bold statements.

Chris Dercon, director of London’s Tate Modern, celebrated the work of artist Riyas Komu, A Collector’s Room. The fair was an affair to remember and a treat for the senses, not just for the artists and gallerists but for all those walked in.

The writer is a senior journalist and art critic.

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