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Contemporary Art in South Asia is more exciting than it has ever been. There is a fresh crop of artists who are creating compelling work that engage with the rapidly fluctuating infrastructure, economy, ecology, landscape and identity politics of our times, and are pushing the limits of aesthetics in ways that would have been unprecedented even a decade ago. Delhi Contemporary Art Week (DCAW) was initiated as an attempt to generate discourse that befits the shifting lens of the contemporary.

The first edition included the participation of six galleries in the city — Gallery Espace, Exhibit 320, Latitude 28, Nature Morte, Shrine Empire and Vadehra Art Gallery — who are spearheading a new wave. They came together to showcase the cusp of the contemporary, all in one space for four days, and this year, we are set to expand, with even more galleries taking part. DCAW is conceptualized to be the ultimate destination for established and emerging collectors, and art enthusiasts who are eager to be part of this conversation and want to know more.

This year, Delhi Contemporary Art Weekend will be an attempt to streamline the conversation and establish a new paradigm, shaped by a generation of artists who have exhibited around the world by means of residency circuits, biennales and art fairs, which is mature, sustained and part of the global aesthetic. Also presented will be masters of Indian contemporary, who paved the way for the rest with innovative artistic production that has remained future-proof.

DCAW will also include outreach initiatives for children, art professionals, collectors and others who are interested in art with panel discussions and talks on the art of collecting, maintaining collections, and handling of artworks.