Artistic Perspectives - An In-Depth Conversation With Rajendra Patil, Editor, Indian Contemporary Art Journal, and Founder Director, India Art Festival - Times of India

7/1/23, 3:08 PM Artistic Perspectives: An In-depth Conversation with Rajendra Patil, Editor, Indian Contemporary Art Journal, and
ry Art Journal, and Founder Director, India Art Festival - Times of India
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Artistic Perspectives: An In-depth Conversation

with Rajendra Patil, Editor, Indian Contemporary
Art Journal, and Founder Director, India Art
Festival
Mediawire | Jul 1, 2023, 02.25 PM IST
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7/1/23, 3:08 PM Artistic Perspectives: An In-depth Conversation with Rajendra Patil, Editor, Indian Contemporary Art Journal, and Founder Director, India Art Festival - Times of India
Rajendra Patil
Rajendra Patil is a prominent figure in the Indian art world, known for his multifaceted roles. He serves as the
President of the Bombay Art Society, one of the oldest Indian art institutions founded in 1888. Additionally, he is
the Editor & Publisher of the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, a quarterly art magazine that has been published
since 2008. Rajendra is also the Founder Director of the well-known India Art Festival, a contemporary Indian art
fair which has successfully organized 25 editions. With unwavering commitment and a deep passion for
promoting the arts, Rajendra has made a significant impact on the Indian contemporary art scene. Today, we
have the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with Rajendra Patil about his art ventures and remarkable
milestones.
Radhika Maheshwari: Rajendra, what initially sparked your interest in the arts, and how did you find your way into
the world of art writing despite having an academic background in engineering?
Rajendra Patil: My path as an art writer was unexpected and unintentional. While studying Power Electronics in
Mumbai during the early 90s, I happened to share a hostel room with a fine arts student. Our hostel was a
melting pot of students from diverse fields, including arts, engineering, medicine, and journalism. One day, out of
sheer boredom, I picked up a book from my roommate's desk and started flipping through its pages. The book
contained images of paintings, and one particular piece caught my attention. It defied the conventional notions
of a painting that I held at that time. When my roommate informed me of its enormous price, possibly millions of
rupees, my curiosity was piqued. In retrospect, I now realize it was a colour field painting by Mark Rothko. This
encounter ignited my fascination with art, prompting me to explore numerous art history books throughout my
college years. Even after securing a well-paying engineering job, my passion for art persisted. I pursued an MA in
Ancient Indian Culture, the only art-related degree available at the time in Mumbai University. In the mid-
nineties, a journalist friend requested me to write an article about an exhibition held at Jehangir Art Gallery by
one of our artist friends. This opportunity marked the beginning of my writing journey, starting with Marathi
newspapers and eventually expanding to English publications. In those days, there were not many art writers in
Mumbai, and gradually, I found myself becoming an art writer without any prior planning.
Art Journal Launching

at Mumbai: Dr Saryu Doshi(back), Prafulla Dahanukar, Laxman Shrestha and Prabhakar Kolte
Radhika Maheshwari: That's fascinating! Now, let's shift our focus to your role as an editor and later as a publisher.
How did that journey unfold?
Rajendra Patil: In 2003, I received an invitation to become the editor of the Bombay Art Society's Art Journal, an
annual publication that had been active since 1910. Over the years, the journal faced several interruptions due to
financial constraints. I held the editor position from 2003 to 2008. Unfortunately, institutional changes within the
Bombay Art Society led to the discontinuation of the Art Journal in 2008. Given my deep attachment to the
journal, I couldn't bear the thought of discontinuing it. Consequently, I took the initiative to rename it as the
'Indian Contemporary Art Journal' and undertook the roles of both its publisher and editor. This decision ensured
the continuous publication of the journal. The support of my artist friends, who had multiplied by that time,
made this transition from editor to publisher a smooth ride.
Radhika Maheshwari: That's truly inspiring. It's evident that your passion for art and artists played a significant
role in your journey. Could you share some of the key challenges you faced as a publisher?
Rajendra Patil: Securing funds for production and distribution posed a major challenge. As a new publication, it
took time and effort to attract advertisers who believed in our vision. To fund the Art Journal, I organized
exhibitions and received significant contributions from my artist friends across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore,
Kolkata, and Baroda. Establishing credibility and gaining recognition within the art community was a gradual
process. We had to consistently deliver good-quality content while remaining connected to grassroots artists. My
goal was to make the art publication accessible to both the elite and the masses, representing both established
and peripheral art world. Over time, the reputation of the Art Journal grew, capturing the attention of more artists
and readers. This year marks the completion of 15 years of the Art Journal's existence.
Radhika Maheshwari: Now, let's talk about the India Art Festival, your next art venture that started in 2010-11. What
inspired you to start an art festival, and how did the idea come about?
Rajendra Patil: Whether it is an art publication or an art fair, both entities share a similar mission — the promotion
of art. The prime inspiration behind starting the India Art Festival was to create a platform that showcases and
promotes contemporary art in India. It aimed at providing artists, galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts with an
annual space to come together, engage in artistic dialogue, network, and appreciate the diverse talent in our
country. The idea was conceived during a conversation at the Bombay Art Society office, with legendary artist
Prafulla Dahanukar as the chairperson and Dr. Saryu Doshi as the president in 2010-11. They supported the idea,
and with their guidance, we launched the festival. At that stage, I left my corporate job to fully commit myself to
this endeavour.
Radhika Maheshwari: It sounds like a collaborative effort. As the Founder Director, what challenges did you face in
organizing such a large-scale art festival?
Rajendra Patil: Organizing an art festival of this magnitude comes with its fair share of challenges. Coordinating
logistics and managing the diverse needs and expectations of participating galleries and artists is one of the
main challenges. Additionally, securing sponsorships and funding to support the festival's growth and
sustainability has been an ongoing endeavour. However, the passion and dedication of our team, along with the
overwhelming support from the art fraternity, have helped us overcome these challenges and make each edition
a success.
Then Health Minister

Suresh Shetty lighting the lamp: seen in the pic are Jogen Chowdhury, Ranjit Hoskote, Yusuf Arakkal and
Rajendra Patil
Radhika Maheshwari: That's commendable. How has the festival evolved since its inception in 2010-11?
Rajendra Patil: The India Art Festival has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Mumbai. It has grown
into a nationwide movement, expanding its reach to other major cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru. We have
witnessed an increasing number of participants, both artists and galleries, who eagerly look forward to the
festival each year. It has become a prominent event on the art calendar, attracting attention from galleries,
collectors, and the art-loving public.
Radhika Maheshwari: What keeps art galleries and artists coming back to the India Art Festival every year?
Rajendra Patil: Exhibitors support the India Art Festival persistently because they receive value for their money.
We understand that simply relying on marketing tactics is not enough. Exhibitors, whether galleries or individual
artists, expect quality visitors and art buyers at the festival. We strive to deliver on that front. Media exposure also
plays an important role in attracting exhibitors back each year.
Baiju Parthan, Ranjit

Hoskote, Gieve Patel, and Sudhir Patwardhan at India Art Festival(IAF) Conversations(2012), a series of panel
discussion curated & programmed by Curator, Poet and Cultural Theorist Ranjit Hoskote for first four IAF editions
Radhika Maheshwari: How has the India Art Festival sustained competition and expanded to three major metro
cities in India?
Rajendra Patil: Building a successful art fair network requires hard work, passionate efforts, meticulous planning,
and maximum resource utilization. Our long-standing presence in the art field, along with the support we receive
from the art community, has helped the India Art Festival become a recognized national Indian art fair brand
over the past twelve years. Our passion and commitment to providing an inclusive platform have contributed to
our sustained growth.
Radhika Maheshwari: In your opinion, what sets the India Art Festival apart from other art fairs?
Rajendra Patil: One of the key aspects that sets the India Art Festival apart is our commitment to inclusivity from
the very beginning. We provide a platform for mid-level art galleries as well as artists from diverse backgrounds,
regions, and artistic practices. Our focus is on fostering a sense of community and enabling meaningful
connections between artists, galleries, collectors, and the art-loving audience. We have introduced a dynamic
program that includes exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, fusion shows, and multilingual poetry
recitations to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/artistic-perspectives-an-in-depth-conversation-with-rajendra-patil-editor-indian-contemporary-art-journal-and-founder-director-india-art-festi… 10/13
Dr Saryu Doshi,
Minakshi Patil, Ranjit Hoskote, Atul Dodiya and Rajendra Patil at IAF Inauguration
Radhika Maheshwari: Finally, beyond Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, what is your vision for the future of the India
Art Festival?
Rajendra Patil: My vision for the India Art Festival is to continue expanding its reach and impact across India and
beyond. I aim to establish it as a premier platform for mid-level galleries and artists to showcase their work, for
collectors to discover new talent, and for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Indian
contemporary art. I envision further collaborations with international art organizations to foster cultural exchange
and provide global exposure to our artists.
Installation by Paresh
Maiti at India Art Festival (2013)
Disclaimer: Content Produced by Arts Consultant and Writer Radhika Maheshwari

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7/1/23, 3:08 PM Artistic Perspectives: An In-depth Conversation with Rajendra Patil, Editor, Indian Contemporary Art Journal, and

Artistic Perspectives: An In-depth Conversation

Art Journal Launching

Then Health Minister

Baiju Parthan, Ranjit

Disclaimer: Content Produced by Arts Consultant and Writer Radhika Maheshwari

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