India Art Fair (IAF) was a major success in Delhi. This was very clear from the fact that Gates had to close a little earlier than promised promised due to heavy response to the weekend, which was for the common public view (8 and 9 February).

While no one denies that the fair held at Okhla’s NSIC ground was sold as well as the last version, but it turned into an impressive sales number in a diverse styles and categories. With 120 exhibitions – most in the history of the fair – this version set a new benchmark for success.

Saying that, art has always been a niche (for intellectuals, and with taste, he said), but with an unprecedented leg for the last few years, you may want to think otherwise! So, is this just social media played its role, or is the real art connoisseur, in large numbers, to fill the zero?

Arts as an investment

The fact is that people are feeling that art is not only a thing of beauty bliss, but a malignant property is making some (if not all). Young viewers are no longer attached to purely art for their visual or cultural appeal; They are looking at it as fast investment. Uday Jain, director of Dhomimal Gallery, says, “Kala has exceeded beauty for the younger generation. Many are now looking at art as a luxury investment, deeply in its nuances. ,

This change is also partially powered by market transparency made by digital platforms. Never seen before, with ease, collector can now follow artists trajectory, auction results and trends worldwide in a jiff. Its popularity has also become beyond the traditional collector base due to the rise of pieces of statement, where art is designed, fashion and even technology.

Seema Kohli, who performed at the Bharat Art Fair 2025, adds another perspective. “I think meditation has only moved to investment from aesthetics, but it is largely due to awareness and also the fact that the prices of artifacts are not completely commercial. The aspect has changed, which is also contributing to an investment idea of ​​art, not only about aesthetics, ”she says.

But Kohli also agrees that this is not just the magic of social media. “I think there are many contributors. This is not only social media or the kind of exposure gives them, but also gives an increasing interest in awareness, probability and art, ”she says.

“The underlying fact is that those who join art – whatever work they want to see in their homes – have played an important role in creating a big market for art. So many young artists are being promoted and collected by young investors and collectors. ,

Is the democratization of art reducing its depth?

Once the art was a special playground for the aristocratic class, over time, turned into a stirring spectacle, inspired by many factors, social media is one of them. As artists notes Ritu Bhutanese, the visibility of the incident is far ahead of the gallery circuit today: “The fair lasts the publicity and discussion created by social media. People of all age groups are aware of this annual program. Social media has helped in outreach. ,

Nobody denys access, but does this influx of meditation come at the cost?

Some believe that although social media has made art more accessible to the public, it has also encouraged the culture of superficial praise.

Bhutani said, “There were people who participated in the fair so that they could post and pose,” “Art should be accessible to all those who appreciate it.”

This incident is not exclusive to India. Worldwide, the digital boom has replaced the art market, making the difference between praise and purchase blurred.

“Social media platforms like Instagram and X made a discussion for India Art Fair to share real-time updates and to give followers the opportunity to show artifacts and give followers an opportunity to show artifacts and give followers the opportunity to join the global audiences. Played the lead role. , “Uday Jain says.

He has mentioned that when it comes to access when it is very good, he also shares some concerns. He said, “There are times when immediate scrolling through the post increases concerns about reducing the depth of art praise and it is a belief that what is in trends or viral moments, for praise of a piece for praise. Focuses with real praise, “they say.

Cultural innings

For emerging artists like Vishwanath Kuttam, who also performed at the Bharat Kala Fair, the fair is more than just one market – it is a cultural milestone. “Everyone wants to be seen here, whether it is a gallery, artist, collector, or aristocracy,” he sees.

The FOMO culture that allows every region of contemporary life is undeniably in sports. “To share the frenzied social media, to tell people that ‘we were here’ is definitely operated Foam“But, he says,” no one can disregard it as the Kumbh Mela of the world of art, given that this incident not only promotes artistic excellence, but a permanent impact on Delhi’s cultural identity Also. “

Seema Kohli fully agrees and throws light on how the fair has become a confluence of industries beyond art. “It was not just the support of the galleries. These were cars, it was fashion – everything wanted to be part of the art fair. This cooperation, she claims, which is just beyond the spectacle of the fair. “You may have a footfall, but it will only be a success if it is really enough and has good cooperation.”

Challenges: rising costs, rare places

The success of the latest version of the fair came up with its set of challenges and was not denied. The challenges were introduced in its primary stakeholders- planes and artists. While sales have been surprised (in categories), achieving a place in the fair has become rapidly difficult due to the increasing cost. Bhutani creates a relevant concern: “Getting a place due to the rising costs involved is becoming increasingly difficult for galleries. Ideally, the fair must attract more international galleries and collectors to give the maximum risk to the art scene in India. ,

The curse of the fair itself reflects the developed definition that forms “art”. As Bhutani notes, “The thin line between art and crafts has already become blurred, and focus on making and presenting the statement pieces to the audience.”

This, in turn, raises questions about the direction in which the Indian art is leading – whether it anchors in fine art traditions or continues its fluid expansion in lifestyle and design.