India Art Fair 2026 leaves indelible mark on city landscape

New Delhi: The 17th edition of the India Art Fair 2026 unfolded here from February 5 to 8 2026, transforming the Capital into one of Asia’s most vibrant hubs for modern and contemporary art. Held at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla, the fair set new records for scale, diversity, and global engagement.

India Art Fair is recognised as South Asia’s premier art event, bringing together artists, galleries, collectors, curators, cultural institutions, and art lovers from across India and the world. For 2026, the fair reached unprecedented breadth with 135 exhibitors — the largest in its history — showcasing a wide spectrum of artistic practice.

From masterworks by iconic modernists to experimental works by emerging voices, the event celebrated both tradition and innovation. Whether through bold installations, multimedia works, sculpture, photography, design objects, or immersive experiences, the fair explored the evolving language of visual culture in India and beyond.

Toilet seat & basin made with scissors (left), chandelier made with ceramic bottles (centre) and art work in mortar and cement. Pics: Zaib K.  

Global conversations, local narratives

The fair’s programming extended beyond gallery booths to include curated talks, panels, and community projects. Themes ranged from artistic value and accessibility to Indigenous craft perspectives and cross-cultural exchange. Panels such as The (Art) Market and Centering the Local invited artists, thinkers, and curators to interrogate how art shapes, and is shaped by, society.

Beyond formal exhibitions, India Art Fair extended into the city’s cultural fabric. Parallel shows and satellite events at institutions like the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Modern Art enriched the citywide artistic ecosystem, making February 2026 a momentous period for the arts in Delhi. One standout collaborative highlight was In Dialogue with Nature, a photography-led initiative by the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation and WWF-India that examined humanity’s complex relationship with the environment through powerful visual narratives.

Wash basin made with steel scissors & art made with dried flowers. Pics: Zaib K. 

An evolving art market

Collectors and dealers noted a strong buying mood, reflecting sustained growth in interest for South Asian art. The Fair’s director, Jaya Asokan, described the event as a “definitive meeting point” for a global art community increasingly interested in India’s creative moment.

In parallel, major partners such as BMW India continued to expand their support of emerging talent, with innovative commissions that fused craft traditions with contemporary technologies.

India Art Fair 2026 was more than an exhibition — it was a cultural celebration that reflected the dynamic energy of a region forging new paths in the global art world. Through thoughtful curation, expansive participation, and a spirit of discovery, the fair affirmed its place as a highlight of the international art calendar.

Tags : India Art Fair, NSIC Grounds, Exhibition, New Delhi,