India, Feb. 9 -- As newspapers were being prepped to put to bed and reporters were rushing to file their last stories of the day, another narrative was building at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla Phase III, New Delhi. On a moonlit 5th February evening, the city wasn't moving towards a wedding or a festival, yet the streets told a different story. A sea of cars, cabs, bikes, and rickshaws, and packed metro trains ferried people from across regions and age groups, heading towards the India Art Fair.

From February 5 to 8, 2026, the 17th edition of India Art Fair transformed the capital during a smoky winter week, drawing collectors, artists, curators, and visitors from India and around the world. The art on display leaned towards immer...