India Art Fair & BMW: Redefining South Asia’s Art Landscape Together
The recently concluded India Art Fair (IAF) 2025 left an indelible mark on Delhi’s cultural landscape. Hosted from February 6 to 9, 2025, at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds, this 16th edition was the largest yet, featuring 120 exhibitors, including 78 galleries and 28 non-profits. It was a celebration of South Asian art in all its diversity, blending traditional and contemporary forms while fostering dialogue around pressing global issues.
BMW’s Role as Presenting Partner
BMW Group India played a pivotal role as the presenting partner of IAF 2025, continuing its long-standing commitment towards supporting art, culture and the event. The highlight of their collaboration was the fourth edition of ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission, which invited emerging artists to create immersive installations reflecting the theme of ‘Ecocentrism.’ This year’s winners, Non-Linear (Dennis Peter) and Cursorama (Yash Chandak), presented a visionary installation integrating ecological and technological thinking. Their work featured BMW’s electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX1 LWB and MINI Countryman Electric, as symbols of sustainable innovation.
BMW also hosted an engaging art talk titled ‘From Introspection to Impact: Artists Shaping the World,’ featuring renowned artists Shirazeh Houshiary, Bharti Kher, and Pushpamala N. Moderated by Dr. Thomas Girst, BMW’s Head of Cultural Engagement, the discussion explored how art can bridge divides and inspire solidarity in a polarised world.
A Kaleidoscope of Art and Design
This year’s fair was a dynamic convergence of art forms, with a notable expansion in its Design section. Eleven design studios showcased collectible furniture, bespoke jewelry, and textiles that blurred the lines between functionality and artistic expression. Tarun Tahiliani’s “Tree of Life” series stood out with its intricate tapestries chronicling humanity’s evolving relationship with nature. Employing techniques like French Knots and Aari embroidery on hand-painted textiles, Tahiliani’s work was both visually stunning and thematically poignant.
Another highlight was Subodh Gupta’s installation made from over 100 steel utensils—a reflective commentary on India’s socio-economic transformations. Similarly, Viraj Khanna’s mixed-media works employed textiles and embroidery to explore cultural narratives.
Celebrating Tradition and Innovation
IAF 2025 struck a balance between honouring traditional art forms and showcasing contemporary innovations. Indigenous arts like Gond, Warli, and Pichvai were prominently featured alongside modernist masterpieces by legends such as M.F. Husain and S.H. Raza. The Dhoomimal Gallery displayed Raja Ravi Varma portraits alongside smaller works by renowned modernists, catering to both seasoned collectors and younger audiences entering the art market.
The fair also celebrated South Asia’s rich textile heritage through collaborations like the Delhi Crafts Council’s natural dye paintings and Pooja Singhal’s reimagined Pichvai art. Meanwhile, experimental mixed-media pieces pushed boundaries—Kalakriti Archives combined antique maps with modern materials like cork and copper to create thought-provoking cartographic art.
Art as Social Commentary
Social themes resonated strongly throughout the fair. From Yogesh Barve’s LED tickers highlighting Dalit writings to Umesh S.’s installation addressing agricultural heritage loss, artists used their platforms to spark dialogue on critical issues. Anindita Bhattacharya’s monumental piece “And Still, the Paperboy Brings More” layered references to Babri Masjid floor plans with Urdu text from India’s Preamble, weaving history with contemporary concerns.
Inclusivity at the Forefront
IAF 2025 took significant strides toward inclusivity by offering braille guides, sign language interpreters, and wheelchair services. In collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), it also hosted workshops designed to make art accessible to all visitors. These efforts underscored the fair’s commitment to democratising art appreciation.
A Global Stage for South Asian Art
This year marked the return of international blue-chip galleries like David Zwirner and Lisson Gallery post-pandemic. Their participation elevated the fair’s profile while providing a platform for South Asian artists to engage with global audiences. The synergy between local traditions and international perspectives was palpable in every corner of the exhibition grounds.
Looking Ahead
This edition was more than just an art fair—it was a celebration of creativity as a force for change. From BMW’s innovative commissions to grassroots efforts championing indigenous arts, IAF demonstrated how art can inspire sustainability, inclusivity, and dialogue.
For those who missed it or wish to relive its magic through images accompanying this feature, IAF 2025 serves as a reminder that art transcends boundaries—geographical, cultural, or temporal—and continues to shape our collective future.
