Ques How can an investor decide what to buy?

It is here that the art galleries come into picture. They not only help an investor buy an original piece of art but also guide whereto put the money. On his own part the investor should see that the artist that he investing on is consistent in producing his work and more over with each work he is maturing. Consistency is very important. Galleries may have their own favourites but on the whole the art scene has a few geniuses and they are known to all.

Ques Any names that you would like to suggest?

There is a batch of young artists to keep an eye on. The works are available at easy prices now but these artists will go places. Anirbaan Das Gupta is just 24 years old, Hemant Sathe and his batch, Julius Macwaha, Ram Das Tarke are some other names that are heating up the art scene. I may have missed a few but regular visitors to the art galleries are well informed.

Ques How does the money grow in art as compared to land and gold?

It is almost on a par if not better. See gold worth Rs 30,000 today will fetch Rs 30 lakh after a decade. It may touch a few lakhs mark. Property can do that but then fluctuation in property prices is very volatile. Amidst all this art is one thing which can really grow. An artist’s work that you pick up today for Rs 4 lakh or Rs 5 lakh today can fetch you Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh bracket in the next ten years.