Artists Jiten Thukral & Sumir Tagra, artist Tarini Sethi, visual artist & designer Amrit Pal Singh (Founder, Amrit Pal Design) and Zeenat Kulavoor (Design Director, Bombay Duck Designs) come together to address the tough balance of creating art authentically while remaining true to why one wants to create, and ensuring the long term sustainability of an arts career. In a first-of-its-kind format, we present a round-robin group discussion addressing these very questions that have been crowd-sourced from our varied audiences in advance.
Generously supported by JSW, the IAF 2025 Talks Series, Growing Focus, curated by independent researcher and curator Shaleen Wadhwana, examines the increasing prominence of South Asia within contemporary art, design and culture. The series highlights the efforts of People of the Global Majority — comprising more than 80 per cent of the world’s population, with roots in Indigenous, African, Asian and Latin American cultures — who are asserting their presence across arts and cultural ecosystems. Amid the ongoing decentering of dominant ‘Global North’ narratives, it frames this moment not merely as a response to decolonisation but as landmark, historic self-determination. We explore this impact for audiences today and every day.
Jiten Thukral & Sumir Tagra: Delhi-based artist duo Jiten Thukral (b. 1976) and Sumir Tagra (b. 1979) work across painting, gaming, archiving, and publishing. Their practice evolved from exploring global consumer culture to addressing ecology and climate change, drawing from their Punjab farming heritage. Through their Foundation, Pollinator lab, and andArchive platform, they create innovative public engagement formats, making art accessible while addressing social issues through multisensory installations.
Tarini Sethi: Tarini Sethi is a New Delhi-based artist whose work explores intimacy, body-consciousness, sexuality, and mythology. Through multimedia practices, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, she challenges conventional notions of gender and beauty. Her works draw from folklore, dream worlds, and sexual emancipation, creating utopian, liberated environments.
Amrit Pal Singh: Amrit Pal Singh is a visual artist and designer known for his unique 3D illustration style. His acclaimed series, Toy Faces & The Toy Maker, have been exhibited worldwide. He has been commissioned by leading companies such as Google, Snapchat, Netflix, and Adobe. Primary sales of his NFTs have surpassed a million USD.
Zeenat Kulavoor: Zeenat Kulavoor is a typographer and graphic designer based in Bombay, specializing in Urdu type, lettering, and calligraphy. She is the Creative Director at Bombay Duck Designs and runs BombayDuckShop, offering books, zines, prints, and objects that blend illustration, art, and design.
To attend this talk, submit your questions and register here by 11.59 pm IST on 2nd February, 2025. Registration is mandatory and you will need a valid India Art Fair ticket to enter the NSIC Grounds. Book your ticket here.
