Art, Selfies and Chaos

An unfiltered look at the Indian Art Fair 2025, trying to find the true art.

By Aadya Oberoi

The visitor arrived at the Indian Art Fair 2025 with high expectations, only to step into what felt like a chaotic fish market. Without a VIP pass, they found themselves lost in a huge crowd of people more interested in selfies than art. Was it the wrong date, or was this just the new normal?

Many attendees were clearly there for the Gram, posing in front of anything remotely interesting, even if they had no clue what it meant. But amidst the influencer chaos, hidden gems awaited those, who looked closely.

One such piece that stood out was a series of three paintings – The Triumph, The Cortex, and The Square by R Magesh. Black, sparking, and adorned with intricate texture, the paintings seemed to glow, as if lit from within. But no, it was just engraving, acrylic on plexiglass (Mind blowing).

As they wandered, they spotted Nitibha Kaul, a lifestyle and fashion influencer, effortlessly posing among the artworks. It seemed less about appreciating the art and more about being seen in its vicinity.

The BMW lounge seemed so intriguing, and people with VIP passes were lucky to have a chance to witness it while the rest of us admired it from a distance. Few whispers hinted of what a great experience it was, from the lighting to the car itself. Of course, a little peeking granted us a glimpse of the luxury within.

Despite the circus-like atmosphere, there were moments of true artistic brilliance. Sculptures and interactive installations added depth beyond the endless photo sessions.

By the end, the visitor left with mixed feelings – a camera roll of cryptic shots, a newfound love for acrylic on plexiglass, and a thought: Art fair, man. What a spectacle.