Collecting is a creative process. (…) I think that behind every collection there is a creative mind.
Your collection includes contemporary Indian art. When did you start collecting and what was the reason?
I am an architect. I started collecting in my early college days when I was in Bombay. Then I went to New York and I started to collect more two-dimensional works (canvases). Afterwards I came back to India and my exposure to the New York art world was different.
Many Indian collectors tend to collect modern Indian artists like F.N. Souza. Why are you focusing on contemporary artists?
I think at the moment it is easier to collect contemporary art compared to modern art. Contemporary pieces are more affordable and also contemporary art is the kind of art the younger generation can connect to. I don’t think that I am as affected by a drawing or a painting by F.N. Souza than by a new media art piece from a contemporary artist. Also, Indian art has changed. It is not limited to India anymore: it is globally recognised.
Are you focused on collecting Indian artist or do you follow an international approach?
Actually, I am collecting mostly South Asian art. I buy artists from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh.
What are your thoughts on the development of the Indian collector market?
I think the market will grow in the future. There will be more public projects and these projects will lead to more awareness, which will definitely lead to an increasing number of collectors in India.
Is collecting creative, in your opinion?
Absolutely! Collecting is a creative process. When you are a collector you have to read and study constantly. Furthermore, you have to be engaged to the art world by talking to artists, curators and gallerists. In the end, you have to make decisions and if you are not able to make these decisions you can’t collect art. I think that behind every collection there is a creative mind.
What are your thoughts on the investment side of collecting?
I think that the investment driven collectors in India are almost gone now. Since the art market crash, collectors in India are more passion than investment driven.
Have you ever presented your collection to the public?
My apartment is like a gallery. I live in an apartment in South Mumbai. There is always a lot of art on display in my apartment, ranging from canvases to video art. I constantly exchange the pieces since I have a lot of art in storage. Furthermore, we host collection visits for friends or curators.
Do you loan artworks to museums or public institutions?
No, I haven’t. I think I am too young for such a cooperation at the moment. My collection has to grow since it is only 5 to 6 years old.
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