When the desert meets daring ideas, magic happens—and that’s exactly what went down at Art Dubai 2025. As the recent edition wrapped up on April 20, it left behind a vibrant trail of color, culture, and creativity. Since its launch in 2007, Art Dubai has nurtured the local art scene to create a significant cultural impact. In 2025, the doors opened to 120 exhibitors, highlighting the works of emerging and established artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. With 11 Indian galleries showcasing the work of around 30 artists across various segments, Art Dubai firmly positioned South Asian voices on the global art map. From Viraj Khanna to Shilpa Gupta, these artists resonated with nuanced narratives around identities, utilizing art as a powerful medium for expression.
Viraj Khanna, Visual Artist
Viraj Khanna is a visual artist from India specializing in textile mediums. His recent exhibition ‘To Look, and to Look Again’ showcased at Art Dubai left an impression on attendees. In a conversation with T+L India, Khanna reflected on his personal inflections in art. His pieces bravely challenge social media portrayals of life, creating a powerful dialogue around authenticity.
T+L India: Your recent work is deeply layered in textile and collage. How are you weaving personal memory and generational identity into the pieces you showcased at Art Dubai?
Viraj Khanna: My work at Art Dubai draws from my experiences. I’ve reimagined photographs, enriching them with embroidery, and I’ve transformed them into something new. Social media often leads us to share only curated glimpses of life. My pieces aim to reveal the truths beyond those curated images, capturing the deeper, often hidden, facets of life.
T+L India: You’ve exhibited across major Indian cities and now globally—what does showing at Art Dubai mean to you, especially as a South Asian artist working with narrative textile?
Viraj Khanna: Participating in Art Dubai showcases the significant evolution of Indian galleries on the global stage. Textile art, which has long been overlooked, is gaining recognition. It makes me proud to present textile pieces that highlight both my heritage and the transformations happening within the medium.
T+L India: You balance business training with an art practice that is abstract and introspective. How does this duality reflect in your art-making and global outlook?
Viraj Khanna: My background in business shapes my creative direction. I’m committed to experimenting with textiles, a craft at risk of fading away. By preserving hand embroidery techniques, I contribute to the survival of this unique craft while ensuring its story continues to resonate.
Shilpa Gupta
Shilpa Gupta has spent over two decades exploring how identities are shaped by state and societal forces. Her work reflects on cross-cultural exchanges and the impact of travel on life’s perspectives.
T+L India: What’s the one border crossing that’s left a permanent imprint on your art and memory?
Shilpa Gupta: Growing up in South Asia, I’ve always been aware of boundaries. These borders shape how we navigate life. My art often challenges these constraints, using symbols and narratives that speak to our shared humanity.
T+L India: What’s the significance of your exhibition at Art Dubai?
Shilpa Gupta: The exhibition titled ‘Lines of Flight’ delves into issues of mobility and resilience, exploring how borders influence identity. The context of West Asia, rich in cultural crossings, provides a unique backdrop for these reflections, enhancing the artwork’s resonance.
T+L India: How do you reflect on themes of silence or censorship in your art?
Shilpa Gupta: In my earlier works, I’ve explored how language becomes a battleground for power. My sound installations highlight the strength of uncontainable voices, like imprisoned poets whose words defy oppression, reminding us of art’s profound capacity for resistance.
Sabih Ahmed
Sabih Ahmed, Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai, is the curator of Shilpa Gupta’s ‘Lines of Flight’. He discusses the role of art in a world constantly moving forward, where taking time to reflect is rare.
T+L India: How did the theme of migration influence your curatorial narrative?
Sabih Ahmed: The exhibition reflects Gupta’s engagement with voices striving for freedom beyond imposed constraints. In a region marked by migration, our goal is to spark discussions that reveal untold stories and shared experiences among diverse cultures.
Smita Prabhakar
Smita Prabhakar, founder of the Ishara Art Foundation, reflects on the evolving landscape of South Asian art and cultural tourism in the UAE.
T+L India: Why should travelers unfamiliar with contemporary South Asian art visit Ishara?
Smita Prabhakar: Art from South Asia holds immense relevance. Each artist featured at Ishara offers profound insights into our shared humanity through their work. Visitors can experience narratives that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
T+L India: What kind of cultural tourism ecosystem are you hoping to cultivate in the UAE?
Smita Prabhakar: Our aim is to create a vibrant platform for South Asian artists, fostering connections that allow for collaboration and exploration beyond territorial limitations. Dubai serves as a hub for international dialogue, and we’re excited to showcase the richness of contemporary art from our region.
Noelle Kadar
Noelle Kadar, a contemporary art specialist, discusses the role of Art Dubai in fostering global artistic dialogue.
T+L India: How do you see Art Dubai shaping the global art calendar?
Noelle Kadar: Art Dubai has firmly established itself as a significant regional fair, promoting South Asian galleries and artists to a broader audience. Its importance lies not just in showcasing artworks but in building connections among artists, curators, and collectors from diverse backgrounds.
Related: The Ultimate 2025 Craft & Culture Calendar: Unmissable Global Exhibitions And Biennales
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
The views expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not reflect the opinions of the publication.
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