That Ratan Tata is an avid art collector is a well-known fact. But come November, we’ll see him in an altogether new avatar, as he showcases his first ever work of art along with renowned artist Laxman Shreshtha. Confirms Laxman, “Yes, it’s true that Ratan and I are working together on a painting. In fact, we just had our first sitting early this week,” enthuses the veteran artist.
So what made Ratan pick up the brush? Laxman tells us about the charity auction that is being organised by the British High Commission, adding that it comprises around ten to twelve works - each of which have been worked upon by a renowned personality and a famous artist. “Given the fact that Ratan is a huge fan of my works, not to mention my respect for him, it was only obvious that we team up for a noble cause,” he notes.
Ask him about the experience and he explains, “When we got together for the first sitting, I was not sure about what Ratan had in mind; so I just drew a line to divide the canvas thinking that we’d both do our own thing. But Ratan just said, ‘Laxman, we are doing this together and there’ll be no division.’ He is as excited as a child about art,” Laxman observes.
Speaking further about it, he says, “We have only completed around 30 percent of the painting which is a cross between a landscape and an abstract. It’s still too early for me to say how it’ll turn out but I can tell you one thing – it will be delicate yet strong. After all, these two words describe us best,” he enthuses, adding that he can’t wait to catch up with Ratan for the second sitting that is scheduled for early next week.
As for the auction, it promises to be nothing short of the best. With names like Ratan Tata and Laxman Shreshtha, Tina Ambani and Jogen Chowdhry and Chidambaram and Anjolie Ela Menon, Delhi is all set to witness an art revolution of sorts in November. Wouldn’t you agree?
p_vidya@dnaindia.net
