India Art Festival back in Bengaluru for fourth edition

Art by Kalpana Arya at IAF Bengaluru 2024
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bigger and better than before, this week will see the city host the fourth edition of the India Art Festival, with around 30 galleries showcasing the works of over 350 artists from across the country.

The upcoming India Art Festival (IAF) marks the 30th edition of the event in India since its inception 15 years ago, says Rajendra Patil, founder-director, IAF.

While people have come to expect a certain format at the event, this year marks the reintroduction of the IAF Creative Excellence Awards. “These awards used to be bestowed regularly from 2011, with a small break just before and during the pandemic years. We are reviving it with the Bengaluru edition,” says Rajendra, adding that from this year, there will be recepients of the award.

“Two artists will now receive ₹50,000 each as well as a memento and certificate. This is to encourage mid-career and emerging young artists who will be at the show. The IAF is not just an exhibition, but a mark of encouragement for the art world.”

According to Rajendra, last year, several artists in New Delhi suggested that a curated show of established artists in every city also be a part of IAF. “The reasoning was that by a certain age senior artists would be reluctant to sit in a stall for long periods of time, but with a dedicated space, visitors could still enjoy their work. So at this edition, the works of 30 master artists will be on display in a section titled Shaping Horizons: Karnataka’s Iconic Innovators,” he says.

Art by Boopathy Thangavelu at IAF Bengaluru 2024
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Curated by KS Appajaiah, Shaping Horizons will feature the works of C Chandrashekhar, JS Khanderao, Hemavathi Umamaheswar, MS Murthy, VG Andani, Sudha Manohar and others. “These artists have shaped the art landscape of the State and this segment covers three generations of artists — those in their 60s, 70s and 80s. This is a unique facet of this year’s IAF,” adds Rajendra.

Apart from a wide range of paintings, sculptures and installations, this edition of IAF will also have musical performances and a film screening. “Visual Art is a difficult medium to comprehend and combined with popular media such as music, it creates a different experience for viewers. There will be live instrumental music as well as an artist creating a work of art at the venue. The film that will be screened traces the evolution of Indian art — starting from the Bhimbetka cave paintings before moving on to the creative expressions of the Indus Valley civilization, Mauryan Empire and the golden age of the Gupta period. It is a beautiful piece of cinematic exploration.”

Entry to IAF is free for art students on presentation of a valid ID card.

India Art Festival is at King’s Court, Palace Ground, Gate No 5, from December 19-22. Festival schedule and day pass of ₹299, season pass of ₹499 available on BookMyShow and at the venue.

Art by Feroz Khan at IAF Bengaluru 2024
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement