‘Avanti is a good painter’

It seems as though his art gallery ‘Articullate’ had opened just yesterday. But not only is it completing one year tomorrow, but industrialist Yash Birla’s art initiative is also considered to be one of the most reputed art galleries in Mumbai today.

“Over this period of one year, we have successfully managed to win the loyalty of both talented artists and of course, buyers. So yes, it’s been a good run,” notes Yash.

Not surprising then, the gallery is gearing for the art exhibition ‘Spandan 2’, which will showcase the career peak works of established artists like Akbar Padamsee, Arzan Khambata, Jitish Kallat and Sunil Padwal.

“We started off with Spandan’s first chapter last year and continuing in the same vein, this show will comprise of works that touch the pulse of all that’s exciting and contemporary in Indian art,” he explains.

So is he happy with the Indian art scene? “Well, the booming art market is definitely a good thing. That said, I must admit that the art industry still has a long way to go – I mean, in the West, there is a proper distribution channel and it’s a lot more structured.

In fact, I want to corporatise art in India,” he enthuses.

Which explains why his gallery has already hired an art distributor in the US, who channelises their works to galleries, cruiseliners and auction houses. “We recently participated in the New York art fair where 300 of our works were showcased,” he states.

So, what about his love affair with the brush? “The last time I painted was when I was a child; I used to take painting lessons then. But I’m not really a good painter. It’s Avanti who’s really good at it.  Even my son Vedant is quite a good painter. Our home in Hrishikesh has quite a few paintings by him,” he signs off.
 
p_vidya@dnaindia.net