The curtains have officially closed on TAF – The Art Fest International 2025, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance, cultural exchange, and global unity. Held at the Taj Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, from February 14 to 16, 2025, the festival brought together over 100 artists from 25+ countries and exhibited more than 300 exceptional artworks. This year’s edition reinforced TAF’s standing as a premier international art festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse artistic expressions across borders.
A Global Showcase of Artistic Brilliance
This year’s festival transcended geographical boundaries, celebrating the universal language of art. With participation from artists across continents, TAF 2025 provided a dynamic platform for creative dialogue, encouraging a seamless exchange of ideas and cultural narratives.
Founder Suraj Laheru, a visionary and passionate leader with experience of numerous successful art fairs and a renowned name in the art industry, reflected on the festival’s overwhelming success:
“Our vision for this festival was to create an inclusive and inspiring space where art becomes the bridge that connects cultures and communities.”
Curatorial Excellence and Thematic Highlights
Under the expert curation of Art Fest director Minali Thakkar, TAF 2025 presented a meticulously selected mix of emerging and established artists, ensuring a thought-provoking and enriching experience for attendees. A curator with unparalleled finesse, Minali shared:
“Each piece exhibited at the festival was chosen to spark dialogue, challenge perceptions, and resonate with audiences on a deeper level.”
A key highlight was the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Global Wall, an evocative installation symbolizing the philosophy of “The World is One Family.” This unique exhibit underscored TAF’s commitment to fostering cultural unity through artistic expression, including an impressive art display showcasing works from artists across 18 nationalities, all under the unifying concept of the “Global Wall.”
Opening Ceremony and Esteemed Guests
The grand opening ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries and influential personalities, who inaugurated the festival with their inspiring presence:
His Excellency Yaqoob Al Ali
Her Excellency Laila Rahhal
Ahmed Al Awadhi
Mr. Abdul Jaber Weiss (Deanship of Students Affairs, Sharjah University)
Festival Highlights and Prestigious Showcases
Masters Pavilion: A distinguished segment dedicated to Indian art legends, featuring works by M.F. Husain, B. Prabha, S.H. Raza, J. Swaminathan, Manjit Bawa, and other renowned masters.
The Lineage: Vanshavali – “The Lineage: Vanshavali” is a unique art exhibition curated by Minali, Festival Director, celebrating generational talent. It features the works of very senior legendary artist late Gopal Adivlekar, his wife, and their three children ,all of whom are accomplished artists in their own right. Ratnadeep, Ujwala and Madhvi Gangan displayed together on the same wall.
