Art Mumbai 2024

With a commitment to expanding its reach and impact, this year's Art Mumbai promises a diverse lineup of artists and innovative programming that fosters cultural exchange. In this interview with the co-founders of Art Mumbai—Minal Vazirani, Dinesh Vazirani, Connor Macklin, and Nakul Dev Chawla—we dive into the exciting developments for the second edition of Art Mumbai, set to make waves in the art scene once again.

In what ways will Art Mumbai 2024 be different and more expansive from your last edition?
Connor Macklin: Art Mumbai 2024 is set to be bigger, brighter, and more inventive than ever, with participation from 71 renowned galleries from India and abroad, along with three esteemed foundations. This year, the event brings together some of the most prominent names in the art world, offering a diverse and exciting platform for both established and emerging artists. Notable Indian galleries include Vadehra Art Gallery and Nature Morte, while international highlights feature Galleria Continua and Ben Brown, offering a rich mix of modern and contemporary art.

Iconic works by celebrated artists such as MF Husain, Anish Kapoor, and Atul Dodiya will be showcased, ensuring a captivating experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Art Mumbai is committed to blending local and global art, fostering meaningful cultural exchange.

The Sculpture Walk is another standout feature of Art Mumbai 2024, showcasing large-scale outdoor sculptures and installations. Supported by the RMZ Foundation, this curated walk transforms the venue into a dynamic artistic space. Featured works include Ravinder Reddy's Devi, Parag Tandel's Vitamin Sea and Coastal Road Project 3, and Monali Meher's Unknown Landscape, offering visitors a multi-sensory exploration of diverse artistic styles.

A key component of the fair is the Speaker Series, presented in collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. This series brings together industry leaders, artists, and curators to discuss critical topics shaping the contemporary art landscape. Discussions will cover the rise of art institutions, emerging trends in art collecting, the Indian modern art movement, and cutting-edge innovations such as NFTs. 

Art Mumbai 2024 also provides ample networking opportunities, facilitating exchanges between collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. South Asian art will play a central role, emphasizing its growing significance in the global art scene. Visitors can engage with thought-provoking exhibitions, interact with artists, and explore new trends within this vibrant art community.

Additionally, the fair introduces Design Row at the Arches, featuring luxury retail brands specializing in textiles, jewelry, and more, creating a unique intersection of art and design. The Art Mumbai Gateway program further expands the fair's reach with offsite events designed to deepen connections within the art world, extending the fair’s cultural impact beyond the main venue.

Art Mumbai 2024 is poised to be an unparalleled event, that focusses on creating engagement within the art and culture community. From stunning exhibitions and insightful discussions to immersive installations and luxury retail, we also have food, music, fashion, Bollywood and performing arts.

How do you plan to showcase a diverse range of artists and art forms in this year's event?
Nakul Dev Chawla: At Art Mumbai 2024, we are committed to showcasing a broad and diverse spectrum of artists and art forms, with a special focus on South Asian narratives and artistic practices. This year’s approach is rooted in inclusivity, ensuring that a range of voices and mediums are prominently featured.

To achieve this, we have curated over 71 galleries and three foundations, highlighting artists from different cultural backgrounds, disciplines and countries. The booths will showcase art forms ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, digital art, and interactive installations. This diversity will give visitors a holistic view of the vibrant South Asian art scene while also reflecting broader contemporary practices.

Our programming supports this vision with experiences such as the Sculpture Walk, which features large-scale outdoor installations that allow for deeper appreciation and understanding of the diversity in artistic expression.

Furthermore, the participation of international galleries fosters cross-cultural exchange, placing South Asian art in dialogue with global perspectives. This dynamic interaction between local and international artists underscores the interconnectedness of contemporary art practices and offers a platform for collaboration.

What is the curatorial vision for this edition?
Dinesh Vazirani: The curatorial vision for Art Mumbai 2024 is rooted in showcasing the rich and varied landscape of Modern and Contemporary art from India and South Asia. 

A key element of this year’s vision is the presence of selection of international exhibitors. By presenting international works alongside Indian and South Asian art, we aim to provide young and established collectors as well as art enthusiasts with a broader perspective on global artistic movements. We are delighted to include some emerging galleries and artists. Through this framework, we hope to make art accessible, to encourage investment, engagement and interaction and to inspire.

What do you hope Art Mumbai 2024 will contribute to the cultural landscape of Mumbai and India as a whole?
Minal Vazirani: Art Mumbai 2024 aims to make a lasting contribution to the cultural landscape of both Mumbai and India by deepening the city’s long-standing relationship with the arts. Mumbai’s cultural legacy, shaped by movements like the Progressive Artists' Group of 1947, along with the city’s vibrant mix of performing arts, fashion, music, film and literature creates a unique convergence of culture and commerce, making it the ideal setting for a fair of this scale and vision.

One of the most exciting aspects of Art Mumbai is that it reflects the city itself. Whether through the influence of fashion, Bollywood, food, or the historic setting of the location, the fair encapsulates the essence of Mumbai’s cultural spirit. The enthusiastic support from Mumbaikars has been overwhelming and suggests that in a short time Art Mumbai has found a place on the city’s rich cultural calendar.

We hope Art Mumbai 2024 will not only enrich the city's cultural fabric but also inspire future generations across India to engage with and appreciate the diverse artistic expressions that thrive within our society.

What challenges did you encounter while organizing this year's fair?
MV: Scaling up Art Mumbai for its second edition has been an exciting journey marked by tremendous support from galleries, collectors, art enthusiasts, and visitors. Our vision for Art Mumbai 2024 was to make this edition bigger and better, and I am pleased that this vision has come to life with minimal challenges.

This year, we have expanded to 71 participating galleries and engaged with three foundations, enhancing our offerings significantly. We have introduced a Design Row at the Arches, featuring luxury retail stores across textiles, jewelry, and more. Additionally, our offsite year-round programming under the Art Mumbai Gateway programme connects the art community and enthusiasts beyond our fair.


Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 11.11.2024