Goa’s artistic circle and their phenomenal
abilities have never been in question. Over the years, the state has been home
to many a fine artist, most of which have been home-grown. In fact, one of the
doubtlessly great minds of the cartoon genre is a son of Loutolim’s soil: Mario
Miranda. However, on September 17, all eyes and ears were on another local
hero, in the form of Francis Newton Souza. Born in Saligao, F N Souza went on
to spend a large chunk of his time in London and New York, and was
the only Indian artist to be included in Tate Modern’s
group exhibition. However, that is not the reason he is being hailed today.
At a Christie’s sale, the artist’s 1955
work titled Birth was sold for the whopping figure of USD 4 million, which upon
approximation converts to Rs 28 crore. This topples the prior record holder,
who had been announced at Christie’s debut auction in Mumbai in 2013; which was
the work of V S Gaitonde which sold for USD 3.7 million. It is, in fact, the
second work by Souza to have fetched a massive price in a matter of days.
Merely last week, at Saffronart’s 15th anniversary auction held in New Delhi,
the artist’s piece, ‘Man and Woman Laughing’, snatched the top spot with a figure
of USD 2.59 million.
The Harmony Arts Foundation, run by Tina
Ambani is the present owner of ‘Birth’ and had bought it in 2008 at a
Christie’s auction for USD 2.5 million. Even at that juncture, it was the
highest price that the artist’s work had ever fetched at an auction.
As Goa, and the rest of the world takes a
moment to reflect on an iconic achievement by the artistic genius of F N Souza,
Café speaks to a few members of Goa’s artistic community, asking them about the
impact that an incident of this nature can have on Goan art in the grand scheme
of things:
This is a moment of encouragement as both
the artists, V S Gaitonde and F N Souza are from Goa. The sad part is that this
is a secondary sale which is not done by the artist themselves. Art for art’s
sake is much more important than just an investment. A collector should
understand and enjoy art, and then delve into the idea of investing in it.
There are not many collectors in Goa, but through my contemporary art centre at
Pilerne, ‘Museum of Goa’ I want it to be a connecting point for art lovers who
visit Goa.
– Subodh Kerkar, Artist
It is great news when art is sold at
astronomical rates and I believe that art and antiquities will always break the
economics of the market. Interest is always created by commercial success, and
it is human nature to take interest in something that is doing well. There are
some artists who make it and some who don’t. But each painting is created out
of love and it is eternal which will be enjoyed by generations. However,
finances are badly required for art in Goa and this news is divine for artists
here.
– Rumi Ray, Artist
The news of FN Souza’s painting, ‘Birth’
setting a new record at international auction house, Christie’s in New York is
great news for upcoming artists in Goa. Economically, the art market was on a
downward slide and with this positive news it will boost the sale of art. The
prices of the masters being high will add more value to art, and collectors
will be more interested in investing in it. It will develop a greater art
market in Goa.
– Rajan Fulari, Graphics In-Charge, Lalit
Kala Akademi, Chennai
