A Brush with Business

The 16-page tabloid is not only up-to-date with art happenings in the city, both provides old masters and upcoming artists equal coverage. It even has an exclusive international section. The idea is laudable — to free art from the cocktail circuit, to make it come closer to the people.“Art&Deal will reach out to everyone, from students and artists to critics and art institutions,” explains Meena. And though it is too early to say so, the couple look quite pleased with the response. “We’ve received a very positive feedback,” Siddhartha reveals. “This is just the sort of platform that both artists and art lovers have been looking for.”

The Tagores should know, for Siddhartha’s association with art, in fact, goes even beyond those fifteen years. Back in 1954, his father, Subho Tagore, was the first artist to hold an exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art. Though Siddhartha, too, dabbled in painting, he discovered that more than holding a palette, he was happy admiring and collecting a work of art. “The thrill of getting my hands on something special was incomparable,” he recalls. But as most avid collectors would tell you, sameness begets boredom. So it was for Siddhartha, who was soon attracted by abstract art. And after his first exhibition in 1983, there was no looking back. So much so that Art Konsult’s diary of events is packed with exhibitions of both established artists and new talent, and even photographs.

As for Meena, though she has had no formal training in art appreciation, she’s always nurtured an avid interest in the subject. But what she is committed to is promoting unknown artists be it through the gallery, the magazine, or the annual Art Bazaar she holds in December.

There’s a reason for that. “When you hold such an event in a public place, with works ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5 lakh, you are bound to attract interest,” she laughs. Despite their interest in the field, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Their biggest hurdle, of course, has been money. Says Meena: “It is a misconception that there’s a lot of money in art dealership.” Also, when the economy is in a slump, “art is the first to suffer,” she says. “Many of the buyers in the city invest in art for snob value,” Siddhartha chips in. A reason why they’re planning to test the waters of Bhubaneswar and start a museum-gallery-art resort there. “I want to trace the growth of abstract art in India,” says Siddhartha excitedly.

And for Meena, she wants to create a place “where artists and experts from all over can meet for discussions, seminars or just inspiration.” Given the passion and dedication with which the Tagores are pursuing their dreams, we are sure this one, too, isn’t a far cry.