Art goes beyond the canvas at this one-of-a-kind art fair in Delhi

Art is revered for taking up various forms—be it exhibitions, galleries, or museums—yet its underlying spirit remains ubiquitous: to unite people in a sense that is otherworldly, transcending the mere act of spectating. India has been making waves in this genre, and its most recent exhibit is Artix 4.0, the country’s first‑of‑its‑kind pan‑India hotel art exhibition, presenting a convergence of various art forms, mediums, and a plethora of young voices that took place at The Claridges, New Delhi, on August 2 and 3.

DIVING DEEP

A brainchild of the trio of Payal Kapoor, Malvika Poddar, and Sethu Vaidyanathan, this multifaceted art haven welcomed both enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. This fourth edition celebrated a powerful confluence of emerging voices and established creatives in an atmosphere of the culmination of art and luxury. Veering from the traditional norm of the art-viewing experience, Artix was curated in a way that each room narrated a distinct story, reflecting both artistic expression and opulence through diverse mediums.

The event kick-started with a lamp-lighting ceremony graced by German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Former Additional Solicitor General of India Mr. Parag Tripathi, renowned artist Bratin Khan, and acclaimed author Prayag Shukla. The ethos fostered discourse between artists, collectors, and cultural thought leaders.

With a line‑up as grand as it is versatile, their curation featured Gallery Vision Art, Arushi Arts, Artrise Art, Centre for Culture and Art, Art & You, 108 Art Projects, CCA X The Ardee School, The Aart Orchard,  Prarthana Modi, Parnika Mittal, Bahaar Dhawan Rohatgi, Akansha Chaturvedi, amd Shruti Gupta Kasna, among others. For jewellery and accessories, designers Lotus Arts de Vivre and Baroque by Samiksha Chowdhary created a ruminative corner along the hallways of the exhibition. For textiles, Taranaksh ( Banarasi), Tarina ( Jamdani), Aadyam Handwoven, and Dharki(Chanderi) were the names to turn to.

AN IMMERSIVE AFFAIR

From rare, erotic pieces of art—such as Mithuna by Subhasish Adhikary from Golf Green Art Gallery—and eclectic figures on canvas by Parnika Mittal, titled Woven, to multi‑layered augmented‑reality art that transcends the two‑dimensional realm and comes alive on phones through epoxy resin creations by Joyattam Dutta Roy, the exhibition had so much to offer that the span of two days would also fall short.

Gallery Vision Art displayed works of renowned artists such as G. Subramanian, known for his evocative paintings that blend spirituality with storytelling; Jayasri Burman, distinguished for her intricately detailed paintings; Manu Parekh, revered for his spiritual storytelling; and Sanjay Chakraborty, noted for his introspective canvases, among many. Bahaar Dhawan Rohtagi’s Tactile Realms brought tangibility to the forefront, inviting patrons to touch and feel each painting. Spirituality was also noticed as an anchor point for artists like Bratin Khan with his body of work called Anand, as well as Shruti Gupta Kasana from SGK Galerie with a centred theme on Varanasi. 

Further along the labyrinth was a corner adorned with the weaves of Aadyam Handwoven. A bed draped in linens and fabrics cascading from walls created a striking showcase of communities from Pochampally, Bhuj, Kashmir, and Bhadohi, championing their vision for a self‑sustaining ecosystem. Across the hall, Lotus Arts de Vivre presented exquisitely crafted figurines and centrepieces in a curated display that propelled quiet opulence.

By transforming the corridors and suites of The Claridges into a living, breathing gallery, the exhibition attests art’s enduring power to connect, provoke, and inspire. Loved by creators, collectors and spectators alike, Artix has stood as a testament to India’s ever‑evolving cultural landscape, and it continues to be a shining beacon for new talent to emerge and showcase. 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews