Delhi’s art scene gears up for the 17th India Art Fair, scheduled for February 5-8, 2026, at NSIC Grounds. Australian First Nations powerhouse Grace Lillian Lee brings her mesmerizing ‘The Winds of Guardians,’ spotlighting indigenous ingenuity on an international stage.
Rooted in the Miriam Mer Semsep heritage of Torres Strait’s eastern isles, Lee embodies the designer, artist, and advocate who channels early weaving traditions into bold statements on identity, land stewardship, sustainability, and indigenous autonomy—all refracted through a 21st-century prism.
Viewers will encounter four evocative wind forms (North, South, East, West) and a Dreamweaver mask, embodying wind’s dual essence as tangible power and symbolic carrier of motion, memory, and legacy. Artisanship shines via cotton webbing, twine, cane, mirror acrylic, and electrical rubber shrink tubing, evoking ancestral wind reverence from Torres Strait.
Australia’s envoy to India, High Commissioner Philip Green, lauded the feature: ‘Grace’s display at the fair highlights Australia’s resolve to elevate First Nations culture and mastery here. Tradition-infused yet forward-looking, it proves ancestral legacies perpetually ignite artistic evolution.’
Indian enthusiasts stand to gain intimate insights into Australian First Nations worldviews through Lee’s material storytelling. She shared her sentiments: ‘India’s craft heritage in textiles and lore fuels my passion. Proudly Miriam Mer Sampsep, I honor forebears by rekindling weaves—preserving tales, toasting heritage sentinels, weaving dreams from history to horizon.’
Complementing the exhibit, Lee’s visit encompasses exclusive panels, including a High Commission-supported chat with Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango. This cultural infusion not only enriches the fair but fosters enduring dialogues on global indigenous expressions and creative futures.