Neha Singhal, founder of contemporary Indian art gallery Neev by Neha, has made it her mission to provide a global platform to various artists based in India looking to break into the contemporary world wide art scene. It’s been a busy six weeks since the last newsletter, with the curation of four events showcasing these 30+ artists’ stunning spectrum of creation, and the distinctive mediums and styles they employ.

Superfine Art Fair

From March 21st to 24th, Neev by Neha brought the vibrant essence of contemporary Indian art to the San Francisco Superfine Art Fair. The exhibition, which took place at Fort Mason Center, featured works by more than 10 Indian artists, drawing a crowd of over 2,000 art collectors and aficionados and fostering connections across artistic boundaries.

The showcase offered a glimpse into the rich diversity and innovation of Indian art, creating a dynamic atmosphere where tradition met modernity. Many artworks found enthusiastic buyers, underscoring the expanding global appreciation for Indian artistic creativity.

One especially noteworthy feature of the fair was the watercolor on paper art of Pappu Bardhan (shown below), driven by his love for nature and the imperative of conservation. He mourns the loss of greenery in his surroundings and illustrates symbiosis in nature through depictions of fruits, birds, lotus leaves, and ponds, and confronts the destructive consequences of population growth on nature's fragile balance.

(Selected Works of Pappu Bardhan)

One Rincon Hill, Private Exhibit

On March 28th, One Rincon Hill—a prestigious condominium building in San Francisco—hosted a private art exhibition. This exclusive Neev by Neha event showcased a broad collection of artwork from over 15 Indian artists. The displayed art offered the 75+ residents in attendance a unique cultural experience, ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary creations and offering a diverse spectrum of artistic expression.

Overall, the exhibition received a warm reception and concluded with the purchases of several pieces, reinforcing the idea that art can be a powerful way to bring people together.

One of the highlights of the evening was the work of Gourishankar Soni (shown below), whose stunning three-dimensional artwork charmed the audience. Soni’s pieces attracted significant attention for their intricate design and depth and found its new home!

(Selected Works of Gourishankar Soni)

NY Art Expo

From April 4th to 7th, Neev by Neha successfully promoted two renowned Indian artists Laxman Aelay and Asit Patnaik during the New York Expo. The artists were present in person to showcase their work at the event, creating an engaging and interactive experience for attendees and attracting a substantial number of New Yorkers who were enthusiastic about the vibrant range of pieces on display. As well as spotlighting the talent of the two featured artists, the event underscored the growing appreciation for Indian art within the New York community and many works found new homes by its conclusion.

A special highlight of the event was the recognition of artist Asit Patnaik (shown below), who received the 2024 Award for Best Solo Exhibitor for his unique and compelling pieces which captured the attention of both the jury and the public. This reflects the quality and impact of his work, as well as the significance of the New York Expo as a platform for showcasing exceptional talent. Several works from him found its new home!

(Selected Works of Asit Patnaik)

Los Altos Golf and Country Club Exhibit

On April 21st, Neev by Neha held an elegant private art exhibit at the Los Altos Golf and Country Club showcasing the works of over 10 artists.

With over 225 guests attending, the event was a spirited celebration of Indian culture and artistry, foregrounding India’s unique and multifarious impact on the contemporary global art scene.

The artwork sparked lively conversation and thoughtful interpretations among attendees, and by the exhibit’s conclusion many pieces had found enthusiastic buyers. One significant cynosure of the event was the artwork of Sr. Laxman Aelay (shown below),

which reflects the people and rural surroundings of his childhood in the Indian village of Kadirenigudem. His newer pieces utilize vivid and eye-catching hues while continuing to pay homage to his rustic roots, expressing the struggles, strength, and traditions of various locals as they go about their daily lives.

(Selected Works of Laxman Aelay)