Artix 4.0: Tarina (L) and Baua Devi by Arushi Art (R)
What do we usually imagine when we think of an art exhibition? A gallery filled with exquisite, high-value works mostly by established artists whose names command instant recognition. Collectors and connoisseurs often dominate such spaces and the focus tends to be on pedigree and price tags. But the Indian art world is shifting. It is opening up to newer voices, diverse mediums and more accessible expressions that speak to a wider audience. This evolution was visible at Artix 4.0, a hotel-based art fair held recently in Delhi. A unique platform that reimagines how art can be experienced, Artix brought together artists from across India and abroad.
We spoke to its co-founders, Payal Kapoor, Malvika Poddar and Sethu Vaidyanathan, about how the fair is helping reshape the conversation around art in India.
“Artix was envisioned as India’s first hotel art fair with the goal of demystifying art and bringing it closer to people,” says Kapoor. The idea is simple yet powerful. Transform hotel rooms into intimate art spaces where people don’t just look at art, they experience it in a lived setting. “We are showcasing emerging artists, first-time galleries and experimental formats which is beyond the traditional settings. It’s about shifting the dialogue from exclusivity to inclusivity.”
One of the standout features of Artix 4.0 was its spotlight on India’s endangered and lesser-known art traditions. From Bhil and Gond paintings to reinterpretations of Madhubani and Pattachitra, these forms are no longer being slotted as “folk” or “craft.” Instead, they are presented as evolving visual languages with contemporary relevance. “It’s a quiet but powerful resurgence. We want these practices to be seen as living art forms, not just artifacts of the past,” says Poddar.
Banarasi Textiles as Contemporary Art
Textiles were another highlight at the fair. Banarasi weaving, traditionally seen through the lens of luxury garments, is now being reimagined as installation and conceptual art. At Artix, one of the most anticipated showcases was a Banarasi textile installation, turning weave into sculpture and soundscape. Beyond Banarasi, traditions like Kantha, Mashru and Chikankari are also finding fresh expression – layered with themes of gender, displacement and memory. “Banarasi textiles are definitely having a moment. They are no longer confined to saris; they are becoming powerful mediums of storytelling,” says Vaidyanathan.
Story Over Pedigree
India’s luxury art market is also undergoing a transformation. Collectors are moving away from simply buying on the basis of names and prices. Instead, they are drawn to art that offers resonance, intimacy and a compelling narrative. “Art is no longer just about pedigree. It’s about story. Hotel-based fairs like Artix make that shift possible where the buyer feels connected, not just convinced,” explains Poddar.
The fair also celebrated globally renowned names in tribal art. Works by Padma Shri awardees Bhuri Bai, Bauaa Devi and Jangarh Singh Shyam were on display, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience their storytelling traditions up close. Museum-worthy artists like Sakti Burman and Himmat Shah added further weight to the showcase.
The founders feel that the most exciting change is the arrival of younger collectors. Bold, curious, and unafraid of the unknown, they are helping shape India’s art-buying trends. “Young buyers aren’t just attending, they are shaping the future. They are drawn to experimental media, socially engaged work and narratives they can relate to. For many, Artix becomes their first step into collecting,” says Kapoor.
Artists exhibiting at Artix also note how audiences are evolving across cities. While Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru remain central hubs, Hyderabad too is opening up to cross-genre and experimental work. The broader shift is clear – art is being embraced less as luxury, more as culture and conversation.
With its immersive hotel setting, Artix 4.0 pushed Indian art beyond the white-walled gallery and closer to everyday life. Most importantly, it signals a cultural shift, from art as pedigree to art as story. As the co-founders put it, “Art should feel like discovery, not intimidation.”
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