Lucknow – The capital of Uttar Pradesh ushered in a new era of contemporary art with the commencement of the Lucknow Contemporary Indian Art Fair 2025. Organized under the joint auspices of Florescence Art Gallery and Phoenix Palassio, the grand exhibition took place at the esteemed Phoenix Palassio.
The prestigious event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, along with distinguished guests Dr. S.P. Singh, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Lucknow Public Schools & Colleges, Naveen Kumar Kannaujia, Regional Commissioner (EPFO) Lucknow, renowned art critic and historian Johnny M.L., and eminent artist Jay Tripathi. The event saw the presence of Neha Singh, Director of Florescence Art Gallery, Sanjeev Sarin, Director of Phoenix Palassio, veteran theatre and film actor Anil Rastogi, curator Bhupendra Asthana, and an array of respected artists and art enthusiasts from across the country.
A Showcase of Contemporary Art
The exhibition featured 120 remarkable artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and embroidery, crafted by 38 contemporary artists from various states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. According to Neha Singh, Director of Florescence Art Gallery, art has a direct connection with society and human emotions. By introducing this art fair in a novel format, she envisions expanding artistic horizons and opening new possibilities in the region.
The displayed artworks reflected themes of social, naturalistic, and experimental creativity. Many paintings and sculptures resonated with artistic elements that captured the audience’s imagination. Gopal Samantray, Suraj Kumar Kashi, Sanjay Rajput, Uday Goswami, and Bapi Das presented experimental and nature-inspired paintings, demonstrating their mastery in contemporary artistry. Meanwhile, abstract works by veteran painter Umesh Kumar Saxena, along with the creations of emerging artists such as Ravindra Kumar Das, Shweta Rai, Kishore Kumar, Rohit Kumar Sharma, Hifjul Kabir, Digbijayi Khatua, and Ranjita Kumari, explored themes of love, nature, and social challenges.
An Artistic Reflection of Society
The fair was more than just an exhibition; it was a significant cultural discourse exploring the challenges and evolution of contemporary art. Through thought-provoking discussions and lectures, it blended tradition with modern perspectives. Several artists, including Arvind Singh, Abhishek Kumar, Amit Kumar, Sambit Panda, and Abhilasha Singh, illustrated human experiences, social issues, environmental degradation, and philosophical reflections through their vivid artworks. Their use of innovative techniques and evocative compositions demonstrated their profound engagement with contemporary narratives.
Women artists, such as Aditi Raman, Anjum Khan, Ranjita Kumar, Rashmi Srivastava, and Sonal Varshney, portrayed powerful symbols of transformation. Priyanka Sinha’s abstract compositions offered an introspective gaze, while Kaushlesh Kumar and Payal’s deeply personal explorations delved into human consciousness. Nitish Sharma’s work examined the relationship between humanity and the cosmos, leading viewers toward a meditative experience.
Ram Sanjeevan’s sculptures conveyed the psychological dimensions of urban life, while Sanjay’s watercolors depicted the rural-urban divide. Shivi Sharma’s dreamlike landscapes and Shikha Patel and Suparna Mandal’s contemplative works provoked intellectual engagement. Subhankar Tarafdar’s pieces reflected societal fragilities, whereas Uday Goswami from Bhopal symbolized progress and transformation through his art.
The sculpture section featured notable artists such as Amit Gaud and Sachindra Nath Jha, whose works embodied modern life and identity. Ceramic pieces by Bijendra Mahali and Prem Shankar, along with stoneware creations by Vijayendra Mahali, highlighted the evolving relationship between humanity and the world around us.
A Call for Artistic Encouragement
Curated by renowned artists and critics Bhupendra Kumar Asthana, Gopal Samantray, and Rajesh Kumar, the fair served as a thought-provoking artistic platform. Addressing the gathering, Dr. S.P. Singh, MP, emphasized the necessity of such exhibitions in Uttar Pradesh. He urged educational institutions and research centers to actively promote and support artistic endeavors, believing that events like this would inspire the national art scene.
Speaking at the event, Sanjeev Sarin, Director of Phoenix Palassio, expressed his pride in hosting the art fair, stating that Phoenix Palassio is not just a shopping destination but a dynamic cultural hub where innovation and imagination come to life. He highlighted the partnership with Florescence Art Gallery as an exciting step towards transforming the venue into a vibrant center for artistic expression.
New Delhi-based art critics Jay Tripathi and Johnny M.L. remarked on the evolving visual aesthetics of contemporary art. They acknowledged how the Lucknow Contemporary Indian Art Fair 2025 provided a refined interpretation of modern creativity, blending artistic perception with intellectual depth.
A Landmark in Lucknow’s Art Scene
The Lucknow Contemporary Indian Art Fair 2025 is more than an exhibition—it is a landmark event in the city’s artistic landscape. It not only showcases the diverse creativity of Indian artists but also fosters critical discourse and cultural appreciation. By pushing the boundaries of contemporary expression, this art fair has successfully carved a significant place for itself in the national and international art community.
