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Ques There are many places in the city that sell paintings. How is Artmosphere different?
People have to learn the difference between an art gallery and a shop selling art wares. An art gallery is a place where one can walk-in to enjoy pieces of art while shops are only where products are sold. We do not simply collect pieces from painters and put them up to sell. We have a curator who is a part of this art world and knows how to guide you around.
Ques How is art as an investment?
I am a diamond merchant. People come to me to seek advise on how and how much to invest in jewellery. Everyone wants to see his or her money grow by leaps and bounds. I suggest investment in arts is a good option. We all read news how paintings are being sold in crores and while these may seem to be out of our bounds at present but then there are many artists who may be sold in thousands or a few lakhs now but a decade later will rake in huge sums. It is these artists that we need to invest in. Remember, to begin with even M F Hussain and Anjali Ela Menon sold for a few thousands and today their works command crores.
Ques How can an investor decide what to buy?
It is here that the art galleries come into picture. They not only help an investor buy an original piece of art but also guide whereto put the money. On his own part the investor should see that the artist that he investing on is consistent in producing his work and more over with each work he is maturing. Consistency is very important. Galleries may have their own favourites but on the whole the art scene has a few geniuses and they are known to all.
Ques Any names that you would like to suggest?
There is a batch of young artists to keep an eye on. The works are available at easy prices now but these artists will go places. Anirbaan Das Gupta is just 24 years old, Hemant Sathe and his batch, Julius Macwaha, Ram Das Tarke are some other names that are heating up the art scene. I may have missed a few but regular visitors to the art galleries are well informed.
Ques How does the money grow in art as compared to land and gold?
It is almost on a par if not better. See gold worth Rs 30,000 today will fetch Rs 30 lakh after a decade. It may touch a few lakhs mark. Property can do that but then fluctuation in property prices is very volatile. Amidst all this art is one thing which can really grow. An artist’s work that you pick up today for Rs 4 lakh or Rs 5 lakh today can fetch you Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh bracket in the next ten years.
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