The global influence of Indian artists, especially contemporary Indian artists has been growing swiftly for the past few decades. Through their extensive art collections, these current Indian artists have changed the perspective of the collectors and viewers of Indian art in the global market. The Indian art scene has significantly highlighted the works of many famous Indian artists in both India and abroad.

Shared below are top 10 contemporary Indian artists who are actively sharing their visions with the world and making a mark for themselves by participating in Indian art exhibitions abroad.

1. Anish Kapoor - (1954, Mumbai, India)

Anish Kapoor stands out for his works created utilising a variety of innovative mediums. He is one such artist amongst several Indian artists to watch internationally. His passion for vibrant colours and polished surfaces is reflected in his body of work. Kapoor’s geometric and biomorphic sculptures are renowned for their smooth engineering and his signature use of reflective surfaces and vibrant pigments.

2. Bharti Kher - (1969, London, United Kingdom)

India’s emerging artists list might be incomplete without the mention of many renowned Indian artists today, one such is the talented Bharti Kher. She is known for her diverse works including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Through her art, she explores the themes of identity, mythology, and the human condition. Kher is particularly recognised for her use of ‘bindis’ (traditional Indian decorative forehead dots) in her work, which she incorporates to create intricate patterns and textures.

3. Atul Dodiya - (1959, Mumbai, India)

Atul Dodiya is a prominent Indian contemporary artist known for his unique and eclectic approach to painting and mixed media. For his work, he often blends traditional Indian themes with contemporary art practices, creating a unique fusion that reflects both personal and cultural narratives. His paintings and installations frequently tell stories or evoke symbolic references, blending personal and collective memories.

4. Subodh Gupta - (1964, Bihar, India)

Subodh Gupta is well-known for his innovative use of materials and his exploration of themes related to globalisation, urbanisation, and identity. His work often incorporates found objects, metal, and everyday items, which he transforms into powerful statements about contemporary life. His art usually reflects on the effects of globalisation, including the clash between traditional values and modern consumerism. He uses everyday objects to comment on cultural and economic changes.

5. Jagannath Panda - (1970, Odisha, India)

Panda’s work often addresses the impact of rapid urbanisation on nature and the environment. Through his art, he reflects on the relationship between human activity and the natural world, exploring themes of ecological disruption and transformation. He uses various materials such as metal, resin, and found objects, to create sculptures and installations. Jagannath Panda has been recognised for his innovative use of materials and his ability to address pressing social and environmental issues through art.

6. Shilo Shiv Suleman - (1989, Bengaluru, India)

Shilo Shiv Suleman is one of the many Indian painters famous abroad and in India. The artist and designer is known for her work which is an intersection of art, technology, and social impact. She’s particularly recognised for her innovative use of technology to create interactive and immersive art experiences. Her work often explores themes related to the environment, gender, and cultural narratives. Through her art, Suleman also actively addresses issues like mental health and environmental conservation.

7. Jitish Kallat - (1974, Mumbai, India)

Jitish Kallat’s diverse and thought-provoking work spans various media, including painting, photography, sculpture, and installation. He is best known for his works that celebrate the city of Mumbai and the various challenges faced by the people on a daily basis. Kallat's art explores themes such as time, memory, and the intersection of historical and personal narratives. He incorporates elements of Indian culture and history with concepts of urbanity and the passage of time.

8. Valay Shende - (1980, Nagpur, India)

An acclaimed sculptor, Valay Shende is a multimedia artist from Nagpur. His work spans from sculpture, photography, and installation. He’s well-known for his sculptures that are built intricately out of non-traditional items such as discs, pocket watches, copper-plated fibreglass, and other non-traditional materials. Through his art, he tries to capture the challenges and differences that describe India in present times.

9. Shilpa Gupta - (1976, Mumbai, India)

Shilpa Gupta is one of India’s influential Indian artists today known for her multidisciplinary work. Through her art, she explores themes related to identity, politics, and societal issues by utilising various mediums such as installation, and performance. Her art addresses issues of borders, migration, and the experience of living in a globalised world. She has exhibited her works internationally and is recognised for her thought-provoking and innovative approach to art.

10. Thukral & Tagra - (Jiten: 1976, Punjab, India | Sumir: 1979, New Delhi, India)

Thukral & Tagra is a contemporary art duo consisting of Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra who are well known for their collaborative works that often blend traditional Indian aesthetics with modern concepts. Their art spans various mediums such as painting, installation, and digital media. The vibrant and visually striking style of the duo is created with a mix of pop art influences deeply rooted in India’s culture.

The rise of contemporary Indian art has fostered increased collaboration between artists, curators, and institutions across Asia and beyond. By bringing unique cultural, historical, and social perspectives to the global stage, they have challenged the Western-centric art narratives and introduced new themes, such as the intersection of tradition and modernity, identity and globalisation.

These internationally recognised Indian artists such as Anish Kapoor, Bharti Kher, Jitish Kallat, Shilpa Gupta and other notable artists have garnered international acclaim for their contributions to contemporary art. This network of emerging Indian artists continues to expand and facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources, enriching the global art landscape.