India Art Fair 2026 Set to Redefine Artistic Engagement with Ambitious New Initiatives
As art enthusiasts prepare to journey to the NSIC Grounds in Okhla for the India Art Fair (IAF) in 2026, the experience begins even before entry. A striking tent along the fair's façade will host Goa-based artist Afrah Shafiq's monumental embroidery work, enhanced by an interactive Augmented Reality layer that delves into motifs and their historical significance. This immersive approach sets the tone for what is being hailed as the fair's most ambitious edition yet, emphasizing dialogue and collaboration across the art world.
Expanded Exhibitor Roster and Curatorial Focus
In its 17th edition, the IAF will feature a record 133 exhibitors, including 94 galleries and regional and international art institutions, with 26 making their debut. Jaya Asokan, director of IAF, highlights the fair's evolution as a living platform. "Each edition builds on the last, with a conscious effort to introduce new formats, commissions, and curatorial lenses annually," she explains. "This year reflects a deeper curatorial focus, expanded public engagement, and stronger cross-disciplinary conversations, ensuring the fair remains responsive to artistic and global shifts."
The exhibitor list bridges generations, showcasing modernists like MF Husain, SH Raza, and B Prabha alongside contemporaries such as LN Tallur, Prabhakar Pachpute, and Sohrab Hura. South Asian and diaspora artists, including Huma Bhabha, Anish Kapoor, and Adeela Suleman, will also be featured, underscoring the fair's regional and international appeal. Asokan notes, "We encourage galleries to take risks and showcase works that speak to the present moment, ensuring even familiar names feel freshly encountered."
In-Depth Artist Presentations and Outdoor Installations
Beyond gallery booths, the 'Focus' section offers solo presentations for deeper engagement with artists' practices. This year's lineup includes Bharti Kher, Khadim Ali, and Jayasri Burman, who is shifting from figurative to abstract works inspired by her poetry. Her husband, artist Paresh Maity, will present a 200-foot outdoor installation made from repurposed wood and metal pipes, featuring 27 sculptural figures.
Outdoor exhibits further enrich the fair, with installations like Patiala-based Kulpreet Singh's exploration of man-ecology imbalances, Delhi-based Deepak Kumar's material innovations, and Sri Lanka's Raki Nikahetiya's Forest II, using the Miyawaki method for dense native flora planting. The Charpai Project, conceptualized by Ayush Kasliwal and AI artist Goji, invites viewers to contemplate art while reclining on traditional charpais, blending heritage with technology.
Enhanced Design, Institutions, and International Art
The fair will feature an expanded 'Design' section and welcome first-time participants in the 'Institutions' section, such as Sabyasachi Art Foundation Gallery and Ardee Foundation. While maintaining a regional focus, the event also showcases international art from 30 participants, including Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei, and Yayoi Kusama, offering a global perspective to attendees.
Young Collectors Programme and Educational Initiatives
With a focus on the business of art, the IAF's Young Collectors Programme has grown into a year-long initiative with a dedicated event at Triveni Kala Sangam. Asokan remarks, "The growing number of young collectors reflects shifting demographics—they are engaged, research-driven, and interested in dialogue over transactional encounters." Additionally, art awareness and education are prioritized through an Inclusion Lab, panel discussions, workshops, and bilingual tours. "Learning, access, and inclusivity are core values," Asokan adds, "helping inculcate engagement with art among younger audiences."
This edition of the India Art Fair not only amplifies its role as a commercial platform but also strengthens its non-commercial aspects, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for artistic exchange and public participation in Delhi's cultural landscape.
