New Delhi is set to host the 17th edition of the India Art Fair from February 5 to 8, 2026, at the NSIC Grounds, promising a vibrant showcase of global creativity. Among the highlights, Australian First Nations artist Grace Lillian Lee will present her captivating installation ‘The Winds of Guardians,’ marking a significant cultural bridge between Australia and India.
Grace Lillian Lee, a descendant of the Miriam Mer Semsep people from the eastern islands of Torres Strait, has woven her indigenous heritage into contemporary art. Her practice explores identity, country, sustainability, and indigenous sovereignty through a modern lens. From a young age, traditional weaving techniques shaped her artistic journey, a legacy that continues to define her work today.
At the fair, Lee’s ‘The Winds of Guardians’ features four structural forms—North Winds, South Winds, East Winds, and West Winds—alongside a ceremonial Dreamweaver mask. These pieces portray wind as both a material force and a metaphor for movement, memory, and transmission. Crafted using cotton webbing, cotton twine, cane, mirror acrylic, and electrical rubber shrink tubing, the installation draws deeply from ancestral beliefs in the spirits of wind from Torres Strait Islands.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, praised the exhibition, stating it underscores Australia’s commitment to showcasing First Nations culture and creative excellence in India. ‘Rooted in tradition yet distinctly contemporary, Grace’s work illustrates how ancestral knowledge informs and inspires new artistic expressions,’ he noted.
Lee’s presence offers Indian audiences a rare glimpse into Australian First Nations perspectives through design. Reflecting on her visit, Lee shared, ‘India’s rich history of craft, textiles, and storytelling is truly inspiring. As a proud Miriam Mer Sampsep woman, I’m honored to share my work here, fostering dialogue on indigenous knowledge and cultural exchange.’
Her trip includes special events, such as a conversation with Raw Mango founder Sanjay Garg, facilitated by High Commissioner Green. This debut not only celebrates indigenous artistry but also weaves connections across continents, inviting viewers to dream with the winds that link past and future.