I can sense the wisdom of making each moment count. For me it was a diamond year of celebrating the way forward, challenges and all. I can’t say this enough. Thank you for the arts that keep me alive and going.

Pioneer of Modern Art
THE Art of Raja Ravi Verma (RRV), Father of Indian Modern Art, has put a face to the many stories of Indian mythology. I grew up on a robust diet of Amar Chitra Katha and was fascinated by the larger-than-life stories of gods, goddesses, and wars and intrigued by the romance and the life of celestial beings. I marvelled at the intricate armlets worn by the celestial devi and apsara. To see the abundance of the originals that are gradually coming to viewers and collectors
RRV was known to turn out a prolific amount of portraiture depicting Indian subjects — with stellar influences of the Renaissance period. Clearly visible are the cherubic features of that style and references of what look like to me Egyptian slaves. His female protagonists wore diaphanous drapes that reveal how we have become so narrow minded in our perspectives. My favourite has to be the striking pose of Vishwamitra trying to spurn the advances of Menaka. It conveys enough dramatic effect enough to shift the focus to him in RRV’s “The Birth of Shakuntala.”
Verma was the first Indian painter to exhibit his works overseas, in 1892, with his participation in exhibitions in Vienna and Chicago. The tremendous demand for his work, including Royal patronage, led the Diwan of Baroda to suggest to Sir T Madhavrao that he establish the first oleographic printing press near Bombay.
The collection at Dilip Piramal, NCPA, had 54 prints, each symbolic including later embellished ones representative from over 500 prints from the RRV press initially at Girgaum in 1894. The press then moved to Ghatkopar and is now housed at Lonavala.
MY mom round begins the year. This time philanthropist network Guru, Manoj Gurshani stops over to check on his latest initiative, vision and health monitoring of truck drivers. By the time they complete the seamless checks customised eyewear is presented to those who require it. I have been hearing him talk through identifying problem shooting stages. May we have more power for such efforts. He assures me not to worry about the onset of cataract diagnosis. The only downside would be viewing art.
In a world that is rapidly spiralling towards commercial intent, the stable ground for me has to be access to art that I have been “consuming.” It relegates the darkness to where it belongs, and provides you perspective. The baseline tag beneath the surface of, “Where’s the money, honey?” is Yoga Record Holder Saurab Gothra, encouraging you to be in the present and find yourself with, “I am nothing, I want nothing…” works for the moment but back to reality.

The good news is actually that art never had it better than now in India. According to Christie’s CEO, Guillaume Cerutti, “There has been a 64% increase in bidders from India between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a growing domestic interest and an influx of younger collectors.” The house did $30m for modern and contemporary Asian art.
While modern art prices have skyrocketed it’s Souza, Raza, Husain that have soared almost about 65% during this period. Christie’s sold a stunning FN Souza for $5m. Worth noting in 2024 is the growth of auction and private sales was 23% leading to all dimensions getting a huge boost.
South Asia comes under focus as the Indian art market indicates is evolving rapidly. Statistics provide a booming 2024 and 2025 looks even more promising. The good news is the shooting valuations have made it possible for so much of art to be viewed in the public domain. Cheers to that.
It’s the countdown to midnight and I’m watching Hasan Minaj and his dose of ROFL punch lines and delivery “Off With His Head” is the way to bring in the New Year. He scores a hit as he nails his “Target” with his “Diverse” audience every single time. No fact checking required here. While I welcome 2025 with this big grin, it’s poof there we go again. It’s the call to face anew, challenges of healthcare, compassion, sensitivity, professionalism, GST at 18% for health cover and the vision towards holistic wellness.

A big shout out to 2024 and a huge welcome to 2025. Here’s to more power to art hopping and the larger canvas of being alive with kindness.

Happy New Year