The couple, Rajeeb and Nadia Samdani, has brought with them four leading contemporary artists from Bangladesh to the fair, which is offering a platform for 42 international galleries from 24 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Korea, Turkey, Pakistan and Russia.
Visitors at the entrance of the Fair are greeted with a solo project by Mahbubur Rahman- an elaborate installation involving army boots to challenge conventional aesthetics and ideology.
"We enjoyed last year's Art Fair thoroughly. IAF is the largest platform for South Asian art, and keeps expanding - we're excited to see what we'll discover this year. There are two Pakistani galleries represented...," Nadia told PTI ahead of the inauguration of the mega art event.
The Samdanis had bought a gigantic art work by Pakistani artist Rashid Rana at the Fair's edition last year, reportedly even before the formal public opening of the event. This time too they say they are hoping to discover new art.
"When Rajeeb and I ever have something specific in mind to buy, we go to a gallery. The thing about art fairs, is that you go there to discover new art. We're hoping to see some interesting young Indian artists exhibited," said Nadia.
Apart from Rahman, artists Tayeba Begum Lipi, Ayesha Sultana and Mohammad Wahiduzzaman would be showcased for the first time at a major public art event in India.
Nadia Samdani herself will be participating in the Speakers' Forum on "Collecting And Its Contradictions".
The Samdanis had in 2011 established the Dhaka-based Samdani Foundation, a leading non-profit arts and culture promotion and exchange platform.
They, however, say are not here to promote the Dhaka Art Summit here.
"We are not here to promote the Dhaka Art Summit in an official capacity. We are here to show Bangladeshi contemporary art to Indian and international audiences. For the artists, this gathering means meeting lots of gallerists. There are also about thirty museums represented, so it's a great opportunity for exposure" said Nadia. MORE
