Artix 3.0, the much-awaited sequel in New Delhi, once again dazzled art enthusiasts by bringing a vivid fusion of indigenous and global art to the forefront. The event, held at The Claridges Hotel, showcased the power of creativity, seamlessly blending the worlds of tribal art, textiles and luxury and creating an unforgettable experience for both artists and visitors says SAKSHI PRIYA
Entering the transformed spaces of The Claridges Hotel, attendees immediately sensed the magic in the air. Each room was thoughtfully curated to provide a distinct narrative, turning the venue into an immersive, multi-dimensional art gallery. The transformation was not just physical but also emotional, offering art lovers and connoisseurs a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the artworks, live installations and textile displays. It felt as if each room had its own story waiting to be discovered.
The lineup of galleries was extraordinary, featuring established names like Treasure Art Gallery, Artrise Art, 108 Art Projects, Bespoke Art Gallery, Ashvita’s and Vision Art Gallery, among others. These galleries, along with solo artists like Aanchal Garg, Shobha Broota and Cholamandal, created a vibrant mosaic of artistic expression that was both diverse and profound. Artists such as Raza Husain, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Anjolie Ela Menon and Prabhakar Kolte showcased their works, alongside renowned names like FN Souza, Laxma Goud and Manu Parekh, adding depth and dimension to the event. The inclusion of luxury brands such as Heeramaneck & Son Fine Jewellery, Lotus Arts de Vivre and Chayroot x Prabhu Viswanathan further enriched the event, creating a confluence of art, fashion, and design that was truly mesmerising.
A special highlight of the opening was an engaging session featuring luminaries like Satish Gupta, Prayag Shukla, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Shobha Broota and Arpana Caur, followed by a curatorial walkthrough by Jyoti Kathpalia. The discussions were insightful, providing a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas that shaped this year's Artix. Each day was packed with activities that encourage interaction and exploration, enriching a vibrant dialogue between artists, collectors, and art lovers.
The exhibition also paid tribute to the lesser-known but equally captivating traditions of Indian art. The Devi Art Foundation presented “A Little Bird Told Me…” featuring artworks by the Tribal Women Artists Collective from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. This collective has worked tirelessly to keep the centuries-old traditions of the Kohvar (marriage) and Sohrai (harvest) wall paintings alive, transitioning these from the mud walls of village homes to paper, ensuring their survival and giving women artists a means to sustain themselves. These panels, with their vivid depictions of flora, fauna and life, evoked a deep connection to the past while providing a glimpse into the future of tribal art in India. Similarly, the work of Usman Tirandaz from Rajasthan, known for his intricate depictions using pigments on cloth, added another layer of cultural richness to the exhibition.
Shobha Broota, one of India’s most celebrated contemporary artists, showcased her ethereal canvases that possess a deceptive simplicity. Her works, characterised by abstract forms, rhythmic lines and rich textures, brought a sense of calm and introspection to the event. Broota’s unique artistic journey, from portraiture to abstract and her ongoing exploration of the spiritual and metaphysical, captivated visitors and provided a contemplative counterpoint to the more vibrant displays.
The corporate social initiative AADYAM Handwoven, by the Aditya Birla Group, added another dimension to Artix 3.0 by showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of weavers from various parts of India, such as Varanasi, Pochampally, Bhuj, Kashmir and Bhadohi. Their efforts to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for artisans were evident in the quality and diversity of the textiles displayed, which celebrated age-old weaving techniques while appealing to contemporary tastes.
What made Artix 3.0 truly special was its ability to humanise the experience of art. It went beyond just exhibition spaces and brought together a community, creating a dynamic space where art was not only viewed but felt. It challenged the conventional gallery model, making art more accessible and intimate. The organiser’s, led by Payal Kapoor, Malvika Poddar and Sethu Vaidyanathan, envisioned a traveling art affair that not only defied traditional norms but also celebrated the multitude of forms that art can take. Their dedication and passion were visible in every corner of the exhibition, making Artix a unique and memorable experience.
Artix 3.0 succeeded in capturing the essence of what makes art truly powerful, its ability to connect people across boundaries, evoke emotions and inspire new ways of thinking. The atmosphere was electric, filled with conversations that ranged from the technical aspects of a painting to the deeper philosophical questions it raised. Artix 3.0 was more than just an art exhibition - it was a celebration of creativity, a gathering of minds and a bold statement that art is for everyone.
As Artix 3.0 works to expand to other cities like Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata, it is hoped that it will continue to build on this momentum, bringing its unique blend of luxury, creativity and accessibility to new audiences. For those who had the chance to experience Artix 3.0, it was a reminder of why art matters and how it has the power to transform spaces, people and even our understanding of the world. Artix 3.0 served as a vivid reminder that art is not just something to be looked at but something to be experienced, felt and lived. And that, in itself, is its greatest achievement.
Photos: Pankaj Kumar
