The Art Fair seems to be taking up plenty of space in all the major publications in the capital. I find it amazing that in just four years, the ‘business of art’ has captured the imagination of galleries and artists from all over the world. It also gives me immense satisfaction to know that along with global recognition, art is also becoming an important subject both for discussion and acquisition at all levels. With so many art colleges spread across India, artists are being trained in every state and are creating art of infinite variety and style. We can now safely say that the interest in art in India is here to stay — creating its own place in the country’s economy.

Interviewed on TV as well as written about in the print media, is Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s Japanese wife, who is an internationally acclaimed artist. Often referred to as the reason for the breakup of the celebrated UK band, The Beatles, Yoko Ono appears to believe that she was targeted because she was a woman and Asian. Her art project for the India Art Fair is titled Our Beautiful Daughters and includes 20 public installations, a live performance and artwork at the Fair. In short, art lovers who are also Beatle fans should take note. Along with some exceptional and exciting art, there is also the distinct possibility of bumping into Yoko Ono at the Art Fair!

Another personality, whom I am hoping to see at the Art Fair is UK artist Damien Hirst. This rather notorious personality, who has been known to create bizarre animal creations, is both admired and berated for his unique choice of subjects. While I cringe every time I see one of Hirst’s animals preserved in a large tank of formaldehytrate, I admire his guts in choosing such bizarre styles — and not just getting away with it, but also becoming one of the biggest and obviously richest artists in the UK.

But besides these famous personalities, the Art Fair will bring with it the opportunity of being able to see the works of the very famous seniors as well as the creations of the talented and up and coming artists of today. In my next column, I hope to dwell in detail about the artists being represented by the vast number of participating galleries. In fact, there are some senior artists who have been featured in as many as five galleries.There are also a number of important solo shows, which must be seen.

Popular artist Bharti Kher, known for her bindi creations, is being presented by Nature Morte and Galleyske. Architect Gautam Bhatia is being shown by Apparao Galleries. Chemold (Presscott Road) presents Gigi Scaria and also joins hands with Chatterjee & Lal to showcase the works of Rashid Rana. Other Indian galleries include Gallery Artchill with the works of Akash Choyal, Latitude 28 with Dilip Chobisa, Ragini offers Somnath Ray, Religare Arts Initiative presents Sumakshi Singh, while The Guild presents Prajakta Potnis.

As you can see, there is plenty to look forward to at the India Art Fair that opens on January 25. See you there!

(The writer is a winner of many advertising design awards and a painter of repute)