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Thakur’s Rhythmic Stroll was one of the seven paintings sold during the exhibition. (Hardeep Singh)
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Modern Indian masters Tyeb Mehta and F.N. Souza and the like may be notching up records during auctions at Christie’s or Sotheby’s, but Ranchi painters have always found it difficult to get buyers.
Haren Thakur’s sale of seven paintings at his solo exhibition in India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, may just be the game-changer.
It was the first time that IIC, an elite bastion of culture on the national capital’s leafy Lodhi Road, had invited a Jharkhand artist for a solo exhibition. And Thakur did not disappoint. Pastoral Panorama, the exhibition of 50 paintings during August 8-14 and inaugurated by art critic and Padmashri winner Keshav Malik, was a treat for the senses.
“By the work one knows the workman. By Haren Thakur, India will know Jharkhand,” The Telegraph had written on July 25, announcing the exhibition.
That prophecy seems to have come true. Thakur’s recent collages in mixed media on Nepali rice paper, which depict a simple philosophy of life inspired by tribals, his originality of compositions enhanced by a thoughtful colour scheme, have found favour with Delhi art buffs.
“A non-profit organisation, IIC does not encourage sale of paintings on its premises,” Thakur said. “L.S. Tochhawng, programme officer of IIC, had told me beforehand that interested persons reserve the piece they like and collect it after the exhibition,” he added.
So, there was no price tag on the exhibits. “But still, private collectors offered whatever I had desired for the seven pieces. Four more buyers have commissioned me for the same kind of work but on canvases measuring up to 8ft by 4ft,” Thakur said, declining to go into specifics of amounts.
Instead, he spoke on the themes of his paintings. “A painting that I call Musical Meet depicts eternal love. Rhythmic Stroll portrays the vigour of tribals,” he said.
“I am glad that Ranchi artist Haren Thakur was not just appreciated but also gained financially,” said Awani Kant, an artist who just retired as regional director of Lalit Kala Akademi (Lucknow). “Having seen Thakur’s work for years, I can say he has gone deep into his artistic universe,” said artist Sukumar Bhattacharya, who visited the exhibition.
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