Maharaja Ranjit Singh Gaekwad of Baroda has had an interesting life and it shows in his collection ‘Persistent Quest’ to be exhibited in the city.
Maharaja Ranjit singh Gaekwad to showcase his works in Mumbai after a gap of 42 years
He doesn’t like to be addressed as a ‘Maharaja’; he revels in his capacity as a commoner. But Maharaja Ranjit Singh Gaekwad of Baroda has had an interesting life and it shows in his collection ‘Persistent Quest’ to be exhibited in the city after a gap of a good 42 years.
“In the 60s, I painted quite frequently, only to give it up for politics. But when I realised that I was not meant for politics; I got back to painting and singing. So here I am with 80 paintings spanning a period of over 40 years,” he reveals.
He further says, “Every work of mine is different. I have done sculptures, photorealism and even painted on printed bed covers! I love to experiment; something many of today’s artists don’t do.”
Adding that established artists have also fallen prey to this, he cites Husain’s example. “He is a good artist; but his works have become repetitive. The horses, the sketches of women and you can spot his work; it’s more like an artefact. And that’s not a great thing,” elaborates the Maharaja, who has studied and currently teaches art at the MS University, Baroda.
Also, as someone whose family owns one of the largest collection of works by Raja Ravi Varma, he feels, “Varma is good but there are better artists. He has shot to fame today; but my favourites are Rembrandt and Reuben Tam; their works had visual merit.”
Lastly, he explains as to what kept him from showing his works all this while. “I don’t like to sell my works; it’s only after a lot of goading by Priyasri Patodia (gallerist) that I agreed. I plan to use the proceeds to institute an award for the best drawings today. Also, I feel that too much is made of my title; I want to be known for my work,” he says. The collection will be on display from December 7 at the Priyasri art gallery.
p_vidya@dnaindia.net
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