Art Mumbai 2024: Celebrating Global and Local Artistic Excellence

Set against the historic Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Art Mumbai returns from November 14–17, 2024, showcasing an ambitious array of fine art that merges modern and contemporary perspectives from around the world with the dynamic spirit of South Asia. Organized by founders Minal and Dinesh Vazirani, along with Conor Macklin and Nakul Dev Chawla, Art Mumbai has evolved into one of the most anticipated art events in India. This year’s edition includes 71 galleries and three prominent art foundations, creating a unique convergence of artistic narratives and cross-cultural dialogues. The founders, with their commitment to enriching India’s global art discourse, see Art Mumbai as an ideal space for international exchange.

Art Mumbai 2024 continues to expand its reputation as a cosmopolitan art fair, drawing the attention of curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world. “We received a tremendous response to Art Mumbai last year and were proud to see the fair emerge as a genuine celebration of community. The participation of international galleries significantly enriched the event, providing a valuable blend of diversity, exposure, networking possibilities, and a global outlook. With the second edition we hope to infuse a greater spirit of community and commerce that will elevate the overall cultural and economic influence of the fair in a global context,” says Dinesh Vazirani, Co-founder, Art Mumbai.

International Galleries at Art Mumbai 2024: A Fusion of Global Artistic Narratives

Art Mumbai 2024 sees the return and debut of some of the world’s most prestigious galleries, each bringing a distinctive curatorial approach that enhances Mumbai’s cultural landscape. These international exhibitors have curated selections that reflect both global art movements and the evolving ethos of contemporary art in the South Asian context. Here’s a closer look at some of the featured international galleries and the artists they represent:

Ben Brown Fine Arts

Making its first appearance at Art Mumbai, Ben Brown Fine Arts promises a dynamic collection of 20th-century masterpieces alongside contemporary works. This renowned London-based gallery is spotlighting pieces from icons such as Pablo Picasso, whose “Chevalier et Picador Dans l'Arène” (1951) reflects his affinity for Spanish culture, and Andy Warhol, whose “Portrait of Charles Ireland” (1979) captures the cultural zeitgeist of his era. Additionally, works by Damien Hirst, François-Xavier Lalanne, and Robert Indiana—most known for his celebrated “LOVE” series—will also be on display, making Ben Brown’s exhibit a must-see for collectors.

Rossi & Rossi

Representing a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary, Rossi & Rossi will showcase pieces by the Nepalese artist Tsherin Sherpa. Known for blending traditional Tibetan thangka painting techniques with elements of pop culture, Sherpa’s works explore complex themes of identity, spirituality, and displacement. His standout work, “Lost and Found” (2024), captures the intersection of these themes through layered visuals that bridge the past and present. The gallery’s inclusion in Art Mumbai underscores the growing global interest in South Asian and Himalayan art forms that both honour and redefine cultural heritage.

Grosvenor Gallery

London’s Grosvenor Gallery returns to Art Mumbai for its second edition, bringing a blend of modern and contemporary South Asian art. This year, the gallery is showcasing pieces by artists such as Francesco Clemente and S.H. Raza, who have deep ties with Indian artistic traditions. Clemente’s “Self Portrait with Wife (After a Kalighat Painting)” exemplifies his engagement with Indian art forms, while contemporary artists like Jethro Buck and Senaka Senanayake present works with strong environmental themes.

Volte Masters

Dubai-based Volte Masters joins Art Mumbai with an impressive lineup of artists who have left indelible marks on modern Indian art. Works by M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy, and Manjit Bawa will be prominently featured, each piece highlighting the legacy and evolution of Indian art over the decades. Wolfgang Laib, known for his installations using organic materials, will also be represented, bringing an added dimension to the gallery’s exhibition. Volte’s participation resonates with the fair’s theme of cultural and artistic exchange, highlighting India’s profound contribution to global art history.

Aicon Gallery and Aicon Contemporary

Both based in New York, Aicon Gallery and Aicon Contemporary are bringing together artists from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Aicon Gallery’s modern selections will feature expressive works by Lancelot Riberio and Mohan Samant, which underscore the vibrant artistic dialogues emerging from South Asia. In contrast, Aicon Contemporary will focus on current themes of migration, identity, and the human experience, with contributions from artists like G.R. Iranna, Jagannath Panda, and Tom Vattakuzhy. Aicon’s booth will emphasize how South Asian artists are navigating global issues, illustrating the diversity of perspectives that arise from these cultural intersections.

Galerie Geek Art

Tokyo’s Galerie Geek Art introduces a distinct Indo-Japanese perspective, showcasing works that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes and technology. Artists such as Shun Sudo, Tomiyuki Kaneko, and Mari Ito use innovative techniques to reflect on heritage and modernity. Galerie Geek Art is particularly committed to using technology as a means of enhancing traditional practices, a perspective that resonates with Mumbai’s own cultural dichotomy of preserving the old while embracing the new.

1x1 Art Gallery

From Dubai, 1x1 Art Gallery brings a collection focused on spirituality and introspection, featuring artists like Chittrovanu Mazumdar and Sohan Qadri. This gallery’s works are designed to engage viewers in a reflective dialogue, using mediums that range from paintings to sculptures, each piece narrating a unique story of cultural connection and personal introspection. Their showcase resonates with Art Mumbai’s emphasis on bridging personal and collective experiences in art.

Galleria Continua

One of the largest exhibitors at Art Mumbai, Galleria Continua will unveil a specially curated selection that includes Anish Kapoor’s renowned concave sculpture “Brandy Wine and Green.” This installation exemplifies Kapoor’s mastery of form and his ability to draw viewers into his work through spatial manipulation. The unveiling of such a high-profile piece marks a milestone for Art Mumbai, aligning it with other international art fairs that have hosted Kapoor’s work. Galleria Continua’s commitment to cross-cultural representation aligns seamlessly with Art Mumbai’s mission of creating a global art community within India’s borders.

A Platform for Artistic Dialogue and Cultural Exchange

Art Mumbai’s co-founders, Minal and Dinesh Vazirani, are ardent about expanding India’s role in the global art market. “We at Art Mumbai are excited about the participation of a wider spectrum of international exhibitors this year. The special curation, unique to Art Mumbai, confirms Mumbai’s position as a cultural bridge between international and South Asian art,” said Minal Vazirani, Co-Founder, Art Mumbai. Through curated exhibitions and a thoughtfully arranged sculpture walk, Art Mumbai is establishing itself as a cultural bridge, fostering dialogue and exchange across borders.

Sculpture Walk and Speaker Series

Alongside gallery showcases, Art Mumbai offers a Sculpture Walk supported by RMZ Foundation, which weaves through the venue with large-scale installations. This year’s walk promises to be both immersive and interactive, a journey that lets patrons experience monumental works that push the boundaries of public art. The speaker series, sponsored by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, will delve into themes such as the technological transformation of art, the socio-political shifts that shaped Indian modernism, and the evolving role of collectors. These sessions aim to deepen patrons’ understanding of the art landscape while encouraging active discussions on art's cultural and economic impact.

A Year-Round Commitment to Art and Community

This year’s fair also sees the launch of Art Mumbai Gateway, an initiative that extends beyond the November event, offering exhibitions, workshops, and talks throughout the year. Earlier this year, the initiative held art walks and curated exhibitions in cities like London, Delhi, and Mumbai, underscoring Art Mumbai’s commitment to making art accessible and relevant to audiences beyond the fair.

A New Chapter for Art Mumbai

With its expanded lineup of international galleries and an immersive program of installations, talks, and interactive experiences, Art Mumbai 2024 promises to be an inspiring milestone in the fair’s journey. It positions Mumbai not only as a local art destination but as a vital link in the global art circuit. The fair’s co-founders envision a future where Art Mumbai continues to grow, creating lasting connections and fostering mutual appreciation between South Asia and the world.

Tickets for Art Mumbai, held from November 14 to 17, 2024, at Mahalaxmi Racecourse (November 14 by invitation only), are available on Insider.in.