Air India Introduces ‘Art Edition’ of Namaste.ai Inflight Magazine
Air India has unveiled a specially curated ‘Art Edition’ of its inflight magazine Namaste.ai, placing Indian art and artistic expression at the centre of its storytelling. Developed in collaboration with contemporary artist and Padma Shri awardee Paresh Maity, the edition reflects the airline’s effort to present India’s cultural narrative alongside its global network.
The cover of the Namaste.ai Art Edition features Maity’s original artwork titled Morning Glory, set in Varanasi. The painting captures the everyday rhythm of a city closely associated with India’s traditions in art, music, craft and performance. In the cover feature, Maity shares insights into his preferred medium, watercolour, describing it as fluid and adaptable, much like life itself.
Beyond the cover story, the Art Edition brings together perspectives from across the contemporary art ecosystem. Art curator Kishore Singh speaks with art collector Kiran Nadar about efforts to broaden public engagement with art. Max Hollein, Director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, examines how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are shaping the future of art while preserving its core values.
Scenographer and curator Rajeev Sethi explores how airports are increasingly functioning as cultural spaces where travellers encounter art in transit. The edition also includes an overview of art-focused airports and international art festivals, offering readers a broader global context.
Additional contributions include art critic Alka Pande, who provides an introduction to art as an investment, and art historian Meera Dass, who traces how Air India developed its art collection and integrated art into its visual and brand identity over time.
With the release of this Art Edition at the start of the New Year, Air India highlights its role in carrying Indian cultural expression beyond borders, positioning the airline not only as a means of travel but also as a platform to share India’s creative traditions with a global audience.
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