Taking South Asian Contemporary Art to Global Stages

Presenting art at an art fair is about creating a moment of stillness in a busy hall. When I organize a booth at the Seattle Art Fair or Art Mumbai, my goal is to transform that small, temporary footprint into a conversation. I balance the space by mixing mediums, placing large photographic prints alongside bronze sculptures or delicate textiles, to ensure that each artist's work speaks clearly without being drowned out by the noise of the fair.

Organizing these booths requires more than just hanging pieces on white walls. It starts months in advance with a selection process, identifying which works from my gallery will engage an international audience. I focus on bringing together a mix of contemporary South Asian talent, from the iconic bronze works of Tsherin Sherpa to the hand-stitched quilts of the Siddi women.

The logistics are complex. I manage the safe transit of pieces through climate-controlled vehicles and coordinate with art handlers to ensure everything arrives in perfect condition. Once the crates are open, the setup begins. I spend hours on the floor, measuring and adjusting lighting so the narrative of the booth unfolds naturally as a visitor walks by. Whether it is an intimate watercolor by Lakshya Bhargava or a powerful installation by Surekha, my aim is to make the booth a destination where people stop, look, and ask questions about the stories we share from our region.