“Indian art had become too pricey till last year. This year everyone is happy to reduce the prices by 25 to 30 percent,” an Indian art buyer who refused to be named told reporters.
Indian artists must also contend with constraints on their freedom of expression, a right guaranteed under the Indian Constitution but one that has been under attack from religious extremists.
The country’s most acclaimed painter was conspicuous by his absence at last week’s event because of fears for his security.
M.F. Husain, 94, has angered hardline Hindus by portraying Hindu deities in the nude or in a sexually suggestive manner, and his work and home have been attacked.
RSS