Ashish Ghosh has used wood, brass and cotton thread to create Survive or Peril Pix: Prem Singh

It was an exhausting three days of frenetic activity in the art world. There was the main show itself — the 3rd India Art Summit which included an extraordinary display of works and talks by experts from around the world. There were also multiple shows and gallery openings all around Delhi that had been timed to coincide with the Summit.

Now the Summit is over, it’s possible to sit back and reflect on the cornucopia of works that have been on show in the recent weeks. And remember, that in addition to everything else there has been the Anish Kapoor show in Delhi and Mumbai where the people of these two cities got to see one of the most iconic artists of our times.

That was followed by Artiger, a public art event where more than 50 artists came together with their take on tigers. Their sculptures were sold to raise money that will be used to protect this magnificent animal.

Tejal Shah’s I have this sinking feeling... is an acrylic and neon creation

What I found remarkable was the fact that everyone in the Indian art world had turned up in Delhi for the Art Summit. And interestingly, even more impressive were some of the shows which opened before the Art Summit actually began.

One of the best was Rakhi Sarkar’s CIMA gallery’s show at Lalit Kala Academy. CIMA has a modern art collection to die for and the show had an interesting twist to it. Called Yeh Image Mahaan — India meets Bharat, the show was about the traditional meeting the contemporary, the old meeting the young and also our understanding of ourselves traversing this path between today’s urban India and traditional old Bharat.

The show captured the dichotomy and the upheaval that is caused when there is a clash between these distinct identities. I was extremely taken with the attention-grabbing image of a magnificent, life-sized tiger on wooden stilts by Ashish Ghosh, which, I felt, portrayed this clash and conflict so well. Also, I thought Shreyasi Chatterjee had an exceptional work which at first glance appeared to be mixed media from a contemporary perspective but was actually acrylic, intricate thread embroidery which is famous in Bharat and combined with fabric on canvas.

An untitled work by Subodh Gupta

So, this was a perfect amalgamation of Contemporary art work which used a traditional medium.

Last, but not the least, I saw the most detailed notebook sheet of Ganesh Pyne — a visual treat.

Another opening which was a class act was the opening of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art at DLF South Court Mall, Saket. Now this is a 40,000sqft facility with the best Contemporary and Modern works available. Kiran’s initiative is commendable. She has taken the trouble to go out and bid for many important Indian art works at every major auction and bought them for her museum.

This is the classic example of corporations coming in and supporting art in the country — she has even taken up expensive space in the heart of the city so that people get a chance to experience some great Indian art. So, whether it’s Bharti Kher’s dying elephant or Raqib Shaw’s splendid work, the people of Delhi do not need to go far, to see all this and more.

Also, Kiran Nadar is one of the most influential buyers of art in the country — people like her are crucial in a country where there are only a limited number of discerning and affluent collectors.

The Summit was a great place to meet, discuss and see a huge amount of art under one roof. One of my favourites was Put it on the Booth on AIDS awareness by Thukral & Tagra, who I believe, raise the bar for themselves all the time.

Subodh Gupta’s new range of four canvas works at Nature Morte — he has moved away from his now famous utensils to food itself — were, without a doubt, some of the best paintings he has done till now and they looked stunning. I loved the way he very subtly changed course and then waited for a public event to make a splash and display his new range of work.

The N.S. Harsha work at the Sakshi booth, especially some of the watercolours were also breathtaking. And I thought Tejal Shah was brilliant with her work I have this sinking feeling... at Project 88 although her price points could be substantially lower. Shreyas Karle again is one of the most intelligent artists of our times. His works are always thought provoking and for the last two years I have felt that he may be the most reasonably priced artist around in his league. I would buy his works any day!

I am already looking forward to the next Summit. A lot of things could be better but more about that when we look at how we can promote arts in this country even more.

Kapil Chopra is a senior hospitality professional and an art collector. He writes a blog on collecting and investing in Indian Contemporary art at www.indianartinvest.blogspot.com