One of the most anticipated showcases of contemporary and traditional art, the India Art Festival returns with a stronger and more expansive edition this year from April 3-5. Bringing together works from across the globe, the festival at Jubilee Hills Convention Centre offers an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. Shreya Veronica speaks to the founder, Rajendra Patil along with a few participating artists, to understand what makes this edition stand out
Rajendra Patil, founder, India Art Festival
This year, the number of galleries has increased significantly. We have participants from the US, Singapore, Delhi, and Mumbai. This is our third edition in Hyderabad, and the scale has grown considerably. While the festival has completed 60 editions in Mumbai and 11 in Delhi, with a fifth edition coming up in Bengaluru, Hyderabad has shown particularly encouraging response. Being our third year here, the success of the previous editions has helped build momentum. The city’s art community has engaged deeply, with over 300 artists and around 120 stalls, many of them featuring Hyderabad-based talent.
Labhya L, artist
I am exhibiting a collection of paintings featuring Krishna and the cow, created in a blend of abstract and figurative styles using mixed media on canvas. My work explores the intersection of spiritual narratives and contemporary human emotion, particularly the sense of calm and resilience embodied in divine figures. One of the pieces, titled Serenity, recently received the ‘Distinguished Artist’ award from the Mazda Foundation. My inspiration comes from the dialogue between spiritual storytelling and modern experience, as well as my time in nature — observing light, textures, and organic forms — which influences my use of mixed media.
Vijay Kumar, artist
I am presenting both recent and earlier works, including paintings and drawings. My paintings are in oil on canvas, while my drawings are done in charcoal on paper. One of my works, Transcendental Reality, draws from human experiences — their joys, sorrows, and psychological states. It is this critical engagement with life that drives my artistic expression.
Dev Mehta, artist
The series I’m showcasing in Hyderabad is titled Transition. It reflects a state of being in transit — between stillness and movement, between self and surroundings. The works evoke tranquility and peace, created using high-quality abstract colours on Swedish mucking paper. Initially, every artwork begins as a kind of utopia, but the technique I’ve adopted is inspired by the German artist Gehab, whose work I’ve followed closely. Experimenting with this method led me to develop an entire series. While I provide a conceptual framework, I leave the interpretation open to the viewer.
Kalpana Arya, artist
I am showcasing a series of cityscapes. For me, art is therapeutic, it has the power to heal the soul, and that belief is what keeps me deeply invested in my practice.
Dr Snehalata Prasad, artist
I am showcasing sculptures from my Shiv Shakti and Shiv Family series, along with a selection of abstract paintings. One of the highlights is the large-format Ganesha artwork measuring 4x8 ft. At my gallery booth, Sneha D Arts, I’m presenting a curated collection that reflects my ongoing exploration of spirituality through contemporary art. Through my work, I attempt to express invisible spiritual forces and the emotional connections that bind us.