Capital Calling

Fair director Jaya Asokan gives AD a sneak peek of what awaits at India Art Fair, opening in February.

- JAYA ASOKAN (AS TOLD TO GAUTAMI REDDY)

Here we are. In a new world, transformed by the pandemic, where we are more conscious of the power of art and creativity in being more empathetic, connecting beyond borders and driving the community forward. In the new year, our intent is to make India Art Fair a meeting ground-for artists and nonartists alike-and for it to be a space that is inclusive in the truest sense of the word.

As we continue to stay true to our mission of bringing the best of modern and cutting-edge contemporary art from India and South Asia, all in one place, in this edition we pool together our collective learnings from the last few years. Making space for traditional art forms of South Asia, the fair facade will be transformed into a "Forest of the Future" by a talented Warli artist duo, the Vayeda Brothers, who bring a contemporary outlook to the ancient art form from Maharashtra (see pg 36). Our other Artists in ResidenceDebashish Paul and Lakshmi Madhavanwill present exciting projects. While Paul will unfold his queer identity in a performance art piece, Madhavan's community-driven art practice will shine through in her installation of bright white-and-gold kasavu textiles made in collaboration with the fast-disappearing community of weavers of Balarampuram in Kerala (see pg 52).