Art fairs are a great way to simultaneously discover the work of new artists and enhance one’s knowledge of art by browsing through masterpieces from senior, established artists. Yet, as most art fairs are spread across vast areas, they can be quite overwhelming. This is the reason for the genesis of Artix, referred to as India’s first hotel art fair. Having just completed its fourth edition on August 2 and 3 at The Claridges Hotel, New Delhi, Artix promises the confluence of young, emerging artistic talent with established artists in a backdrop of art meeting luxury.
“Breaking away from traditional presentations, Artix has reimagined the art-viewing experience. Each room at this edition told a distinct story, as it was curated by individual galleries, artists and showrooms to reflect their artistic expression. It offered to take collectors, curators and connoisseurs on a one-of-a-kind journey across diverse artistic mediums and narratives,” explain curators Payal Kapoor, Malvika Poddar and Sethu Vaidyanathan, who are also co-founders of the annual event.
In attendance for the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony were dignitaries like the German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, former Additional Solicitor General of India Parag Tripathi, renowned artist Bratin Khan and acclaimed author Prayag Shukla. This was followed by a curatorial walkthrough led by Jyoti Kathpalia, offering guests an insider’s view into the creative vision and themes behind the curation of Artix 4.0.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in speaker sessions on art which fostered dialogue between artists, collectors and cultural thought leaders. The distinguished guests included Kumar Mangalam Birla, Nitasha Nanda, Lekha Poddar, Abha Modi, Aruna Oswal, Dr. Alka Pande, Vinita Jain and Vikram Baidyanath, among others.
There was also an impressive lineup of art galleries, solo artists, as well as textiles, accessories and jewellery brands at Artix 4.0. These included Gallery Vision Art, Arushi Arts, Artrise Art, Centre for Culture and Art, Art & You, 108 Art Projects, CCA X The Ardee School, The Aart Orchard, Prarthana Modi, Parnika Mittal, Bahaar Dhawan Rohatgi, Akansha Chaturvedi, Shruti Gupta Kasna, Aanchal Garg, Taranaksh (Banarasi), Tarina (Jamdani), Aadyam Handwoven, Dharki (Chanderi), Baroque by Samiksha Chowdhary, Lotus Art De Vivre and others.
Kapoor refers to Artix as a “Groundbreaking annual initiative that transforms hotel rooms into beautifully curated art salons.” Poddar adds, “These unique spaces offer a captivating fusion of Indian and international visual and textile art, sculpture, jewellery and collectibles, within a luxurious and interactive setting. The Artix experience is immersive, intellectually stimulating and leisurely, promoting natural exchanges between galleries, artists, connoisseurs, hotel residents and visitors. Each event is expertly curated and vibrantly diverse, showcasing the best of India’s magnificent art forms alongside a rich selection of international talent. Artix caters to every collector and art lover, offering a spectrum of works from the extravagant to the affordable.”
When asked to share their best tips and tricks to make the most of one’s visit to this contemporary Indian art fair, Vaidyanathan shares, “Artix redefines art galleries by turning hotel rooms into art salons, and has become a rage among art lovers and collectors. It’s a time for the national capital to turn into a reverberant canvas of creativity. Artix takes the Indian artistic landscape to newer heights through its global showcase of art blended finely with indigenous traditions. The unique feature of this art fair is that it is no regular art gallery. Its unique hotel room format paves the way for creating a more intimate space for art viewers to interact with the art, artists and gallerists. It is a presentation of aesthetics and art under one roof.”
Further, Kapoor and Poddar say, “The latest 2025 edition of Artix featured a diverse lineup of participants, which included renowned artists, debut artists and global artisans. A strong presence of designer labels and textile names was also there, as was traditional fabric artwork of India, such as Jamdani and Chikankari. In addition, visitors found themed installations that blended luxury craftsmanship and visual art. Hence, this edition of Artix strived toward craft revival by throwing light on the evolving art market of India. Whether you are an art connoisseur or a first-time visitor, we believe Artix is the one-stop contemporary Indian art fair you need to visit.”
Summarising the charms of Artix, Kapoor shares, “Artix is an art fair with a twist where the hotel room becomes an art space where the buyer and seller can get to know each other and imagine art like it would adorn their own spaces. It’s more intimate than the usual art fairs where the eye does not get a break easily. The luxurious feel relaxes both the buyer and the seller.”
Poddar adds, “Artix blends luxury with art, transforming hotel rooms into unique gallery spaces. This distinctive hotel art fair offers an intimate setting, allowing buyers and sellers to connect, fostering a relaxed atmosphere that enhances the appreciation of art. The event explores the intersection where luxury meets creativity, creating a sophisticated platform for art enthusiasts and collectors.”
Vaidyanathan ends with, “Artix is more than just an event. It’s a manifestation of exquisitely selected artwork, live installations and experiences that reshape the contours of the field of art and pave the way for an era in which artistic talent has no bounds. The unique showcase spaces enable a dynamic display of the artists’ innovative spirit and their creations.”
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog, www.nooranandchawla.com.
