The India Art Fair is an annual highlight, with fresh energy and new voices constantly emerging. India’s contemporary art scene is thriving, reflecting a broader global shift in which South Asian art is gaining greater recognition. This movement is also evident in spaces like Rajiv Menon Contemporary in Hollywood, which is helping elevate South Asian artists on the global stage.
Beyond the rich array of art, the trip offers an immersive experience in India’s cultural and architectural heritage, and this year, included travelling to Chandigarh and Jaipur in addition to Delhi.
From Chandigarh’s austere modernism to Jaipur’s layered heritage, these two cities represent vastly different visions of India’s architectural landscape – one built on utopian ideals, the other deeply rooted in its past.
In Chandigarh, India’s mid-century, post-independence optimism is palpable – a sensational Corbusian experiment in concrete and geometry. Though parts of it have fallen into disrepair, its spirit remains. The Assembly Building, with its distinctive parasol roof, still commands presence. The High Court’s patterned façade plays with light and shadow, while the stark Secretariat building, often seen as severe, speaks to the era’s bold, if flawed, ideals.
Where Chandigarh is rigid and modernist, Jaipur is rich with history and ornamentation. The Pink City is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European influences, its architecture defined by carved sandstone, latticework and grand courtyards. At its heart lies the City Palace, a complex of archways, frescoes and intricate jali screens that filter the desert light beautifully.
I had the privilege of attending a truly magical evening at the City Palace, as part of the India Art Fair celebrations. Hosted by Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Noelle Kadar, co-founders of the Jaipur Centre for Art, the event was an opportunity to experience the grandeur of the palace in an entirely new light.
Another highlight was a tour of the Sculpture Park in Jaipur, as part of the India Art Fair’s extended programme. Set at Vijay Garh, Jaigarh Fort, the event brought together curators, gallerists, collectors and artists from around the world for a curated walkthrough. Led by Aparajita Jain, founder of Saatsaath Arts, we explored the fort’s courtyards while discussing the significance of public art in Rajasthan.
The openness of the art scene, which allows for free and flowing conversations, rich with insight and passion, alongside the opportunity to witness such remarkable art and architecture, made for an inspiring experience. One that will certainly keep us eagerly awaiting the next India Art Fair.
