Art is new gold for Ahmedabad youth

Ahmedabad: In days gone by, art attracted only the older generation, intellectuals and connoisseurs. The scenario today has changed dramatically and it is common to find affluent young people taking a serious interest in objets de art.

And it's not just for arts' sake: they have been showing a tilt towards art of different styles, techniques and even of other eras such as the Renaissance - all with a view to augmenting their assets profile.

Art gallery owners of Ahmedabad concur that the number of youths buying art pieces is on the rise. Harsh Shah, the owner of online art gallery frangipaniart.com, says: "Right now I am dealing with a lot of youngsters who are purchasing art in order to build up assets. And most of them are focussing on works of young and upcoming artists in
anticipation of their work appreciating in value in the long run."

Roopali Khemka, socialite and art collector, says that price of good art generally goes up after a couple of years. "But you need to be patient," said Khemka, who is in her thirties.

"Buying works by upcoming artists is not that easy. You need to enquire a lot about the history and image of the artist and keep yourself constantly updated. Only then can you turn a work into an asset."

Twenty-nine-year-old Jay Harivallabhdas, scion of a wealthy family of Ahmedabad, feels the same way. He says: "I am buying the works of an artist, Om Surya, who is relatively unknown. For me, it's the art piece that matters more than the artist. I also know that he will become famous in a few years and so a collection of his works will be profitable."

Munish Patel, 34, is a partner in the Kensville Golf and Country Club, and also an art lover. "Art is now seen as a good area for investment," he said. "Moreover, public taste has also changed. People approach art not only for entertainment but also for aesthetic satisfaction. This has proved to be a boon for new artists as well as collectors."

Source: DnaIndia