NewKerala.com

Australian First Nations Artist Grace Lillian Lee Weaves Cultural Bonds at India Art Fair

Australian First Nations artist and designer Grace Lillian Lee is presenting her work at the India Art Fair 2026 in New Delhi. She highlighted the deep synergies between Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions in celebrating culture through weaving and fashion. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green welcomed her participation, praising her wearable art that blends tradition with modern creation. Lee also engaged in a public conversation in Delhi, reflecting on India's vast and fascinating textile heritage.

Key Points: Grace Lillian Lee at India Art Fair 2026 Highlights Cultural Synergies

  • Showcases Indigenous Australian perspectives
  • Highlights shared cultural values
  • Features wearable art from modern fabrics
  • Part of premier South Asian art event
  • Strengthens Australia-India cultural ties
2 min read

Australian artist Grace Lillian Lee highlights cultural synergies at India Art Fair 2026

Australian First Nations artist Grace Lillian Lee presents work at India Art Fair 2026, exploring shared heritage and sustainability with Indian traditions.

"There are many synergies between our purpose and the reason why we celebrate our culture through weaving and fashion - Grace Lillian Lee"

New Delhi, February 5

Australian First Nations artist, designer and cultural advocate Grace Lillian Lee is presenting her work in India at the India Art Fair 2026, bringing Indigenous Australian perspectives on heritage, sustainability and identity to one of South Asia's most influential art platforms.

The 17th edition of the India Art Fair is being held at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi from February 5 to 8, 2026.

The fair, regarded as the premier showcase for modern and contemporary art in South Asia, will feature 133 exhibitors, including galleries, institutions and a dedicated Design section.

Speaking on the occasion, Lee, founder and chairperson of First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD), highlighted the shared cultural values that connect Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions.

"There are many synergies between our purpose and the reason why we celebrate our culture through weaving and fashion and see it as a bigger purpose to support," she said to ANI.

The High Commissioner of Australia to India, Philip Green, welcomed Lee's participation at the fair, noting the significance of her work in a cross-cultural context.

"We are delighted to have Grace Lillian Lee, who is an Australian artist in this year's Indian Art Fair. She has brought that tradition together with modern fabric and artistic creation from Australia to produce a wonderful set of wearable art, which is on display this week at the Indian Art Fair," he said while speaking to ANI.

Lee also shared moments from her visit to India on Instagram, offering insights into a recent public conversation in New Delhi.

She wrote about being "in conversation with Sanjay, the founder of Raw Mango," at his boutique, alongside High Commissioner Green.

Reflecting on her experiences of India's textile and craft traditions, Lee described them as "vast, layered, and deeply fascinating," while noting a shared respect for cultural identity, heritage and storytelling.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wonderful to see our art fair gaining such global recognition. When artists like Grace highlight shared values of heritage and sustainability, it moves beyond just art into meaningful cultural diplomacy. The collaboration with Raw Mango is a perfect fit!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the cultural exchange, I sometimes feel our premier art fairs focus a lot on international artists. I hope equal platform and visibility is given to emerging artists from our own tribal and indigenous communities, like the Warli or Gond artists, whose work is also deeply connected to heritage.
S
Sarah B
"Wearable art" is such a fascinating concept. It reminds me of how in India, our garments like sarees and shawls are never just clothing—they carry history, region, and skill. Excited to see how these two ancient cultures interpret this idea on a modern platform.
K
Karthik V
The synergy is real! Both cultures have a deep, spiritual connection to land and nature which reflects in their art and textiles. This is more relevant than ever in today's world. Hope the fair visitors gain a new appreciation for these sustainable practices.
N
Nisha Z
Love this! đź‘Ź It's high time the global narrative moved beyond Western art centers. The dialogue between two ancient, non-Western indigenous traditions is powerful. Can't wait to see the pictures from her display and her conversation at Raw Mango.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50