New Delhi, February 2, 2024 : BMW Group India is the presenting partner of the latest edition of India Art Fair from 1 – 4 February 2024 at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi. India Art Fair is the leading platform for showcasing modern and contemporary art in India and South Asia. The fair has brought hundreds of artists from the region to the world’s attention over its many successful editions.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW Group India is deeply committed to nurturing corporate citizenship and fostering intercultural dialogue, integral to our societal responsibilities. We are proud partners for the fair, as it celebrates 15 incredible years of establishing itself as the leading platform for discovering modern and contemporary art in India and South Asia. As the ‘Presenting Partner’ of the India Art Fair, we have been instrumental in promoting the growth and visibility of modern Indian art and artists. This year, BMW India is excited to unveil the third installment of the ‘Future is Born of Art’ commission. We invite art and automobile enthusiasts alike to join us in exploring new realms of creative expression at the India Art Fair.”
BMW Group India has supported the evolution and exposure of modern contemporary Indian art and artists since 2012. Through this year’s collaboration, BMW India will exhibit the first-ever fully electric BMW i7 sedan as part of third ‘The Future is Born of Art’ commission and host the BMW Art Talk on the theme ‘Through the Looking Glass’.
The first-ever BMW i7 is a true all-electric luxury sedan that clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. The i7 offers all-electric innovation, visionary design, and powerful driving dynamics so that you can make a striking impression everywhere you go. Built for the luminaries with next-level style and substance, it is undeniably alluring from the inside out.
‘The Future is Born of Art’ commission is an initiative by BMW India and India Art Fair which aims to propel emerging Indian artists and boost BMW Group’s commitment to promote art, sustainability and innovation. BMW India will showcase its third commission based on the theme ‘Forwardism’.
Sashikanth Thavudoz is the winner of the third edition of ‘The Future is Born of Art’ commission, following Faiza Hasan and Devika Sundar, the winners of the 2022 and 2023 commissions, respectively. Selected by the advisory panel comprising of HRH Radhikaraje Gaekwad – a distinguished patron and conservationist, Jaya Asokan – director, India Art Fair, Veeranganakumari Solanki, curator and Sameer Kulavoor, contemporary artist.
For his installation at the India Art Fair, titled ‘Symphony of Nature: The Harmonic Forest’, Thavudoz has combined materials and mediums from his past experiences and projects, including illuminated lights and wood blocks, into a multi-sensory and immersive experience. In-line with the theme ‘Forwardism,’ the installation is more than a concept. It is an ongoing journey of the artist emphasizing responsible creativity amidst change. It combines natural and manufactured materials that aims to highlight the fragility of this balance that we must all consider as we go into the future.
BMW Art Talk on the theme of ‘Through the Looking Glass’ was hosted on 2 February 2024 at the India Art Fair. Three ground-breaking contemporary artists, Anita Dube, Barthélémy Toguo and Jitish Kallat share the inspiring stories of their creative journeys in a candid conversation with Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst, Global Head, BMW Group Cultural Engagement.
Both Dube and Kallat have been leading the Kochi-Muziris Biennale as artistic directors in 2018, and 2014, respectively. BMW is a committed long-term partner of the biennial since its inception in 2012.
