FICCI FLO, under the leadership of 43rd National President, Ms. Puja Garg, hosted an informative and engaging webinar, titled “The Art Dialogue: Beyond the Gilded Frames,” focused on exploring the evolving relationship between art and commerce. Held under FLO National Visual Arts Initiative, the virtual session featured celebrated artist Seema Kohli, art entrepreneur and investor Tarun Khanna, and gallerist Payal Jain Kapoor.
These experts led this virtual art dialogue to talk about the growth of the Indian art market and supporting traditional and contemporary Indian art forms. Experts discussed the art market’s growth, from its humble beginnings in the 1990s to the current status of India as a significant global player worth 2,500-3,000 crores, expected to reach 10,000 crores by 2030. In recent years, many auction houses have experienced record-breaking sales, and the number of art collectors in India is rising.
Ms. Kunwarani Ritu Singh, Lead of Visual Arts initiative, and Ms. Sonia Singla, Co-Lead of Visual Arts initiative, set the tone for the session by discussing creativity, commerce, art culture, portfolio creation for artists, and global conversations. The webinar was chaired by National Senior Vice President, Ms. Kamini Saraf.
Ms. Saraf urged FLO members to come forward in supporting Indian artists and utilize the opportunity to invest in art, leading to the growth of the Indian art economy. The discussion brought forth valuable insights into how Indian art is rapidly gaining momentum and recognition on the global platform. Today, art is no longer viewed merely as aesthetic expression but as a dynamic ecosystem intersecting with entrepreneurship, storytelling, investment, and global dialogue.
According to the speakers, Ms. Seema Kohli, Mr. Tarun Khanna, and Ms. Payal Jain Kapoor, art is both a cultural treasure and a meaningful investment, and it is no longer just for collection by a niche section of buyers and art connoisseurs. The event concluded with speakers addressing the questions of FLO members centered on entering the art market and strategies for art collection. The session proved to be immensely informative, enriching, and inspiring, with enthusiastic participation from FLO members.
Key Takeaways
- The virtual art dialogue highlighted the growing international appreciation for Indian artistic narratives, symbolism, spirituality, and contemporary expression. Also, the experts shared insights on art investment strategies and pricing considerations for artists.
- Ms. Seema Kohli, known for her spiritually layered and deeply symbolic works of art, discussed the power of mythology, feminine energy, and storytelling in shaping contemporary artistic expression.
- Mr. Tarun Khanna shared valuable insights into the evolving global art economy, investment patterns, and the growing international visibility of Indian art and artists.
- Ms. Payal Jain Kapoor, with her extensive experience in curating and promoting artistic talent, highlighted the importance of nurturing creative ecosystems and building meaningful relationships between artists, collectors, and audiences.
- The collective insights given by the speakers added immense depth, relevance, and inspiration to the art dialogue.
Impact & Outcome
Around 198 attendees participated in the enriching webinar, The Art Dialogue, and gained insights into how Indian art is rapidly gaining momentum and recognition on the global platform. The webinar reflected India’s growing stature as both a cultural and economic superpower. The virtual session, held under the FLO Visual Arts initiative, truly emerged as a meaningful initiative celebrating the evolving role of Indian art in shaping conversations, economies, and global cultural narratives.