The past few years have witnessed a sudden surge of interest in art, artists and galleries. The trend of buying art has moved away from the traditionally affluent folks to a new breed of professionals and youngsters, who are now spending money on things that matter — and buying art is definitely one of them. The recently concluded India Art Fair in New Delhi was a perfect example of how ‘New India’ has opened its doors to the art landscape. Art is certainly more accessible and, hence, more desirable.

An integral part of our content, we are back once again with our annual art special. From established artists to those making their way up, from gallerists to collectors, critics to art watchers, this issue has it all. Our cover story on the ‘new ecosystem’ profiles some of the art world’s leading names, like artist Director of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale Bose Krishnamachari, young sculptor Ayesha Singh, Director of India Art Fair Jaya Asokan and ace couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee, whose art foundation supports struggling yet extremely talented artists from Bengal. This varied mix of profiles from different art-related verticals tells us only one story: the rise and rise of Indian art and how evolving trends are opening up a whole new universe for buyers.

On April 25, HELLO! hosted the first on-ground HELLO! India Art Awards to celebrate artistic excellence in every sphere. The awards, which preceded the much-awaited India Art Fair, saw everyone come together to raise a toast to the best of the best. In our pages this issue, catch the extensive coverage  of what made the awards so special,  who the winners were and why this event will now be marked on everyone’s calendars hereon.

In our other features, we’ve put together a list of Indian art’s most influential names and what makes them so powerful. Don’t miss the review of the art fair, as well as a feature on some of the most expensive pieces auctioned in the recent past. We do hope you enjoy this bright and colourful issue, as HELLO! is, once again,  on the forefront of appreciating all things beautiful!