How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
In a fascinating tale of art, serendipity, and philanthropy, India’s most expensive artwork, “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” by the late MF Husain, has found a new home in an unlikely place – a Norway hospital. The painting, which fetched a staggering ₹118 crore at a Christie’s auction, has a rich history that spans over six decades, involving a Norwegian surgeon, a private collector, and a hospital corridor.
The story begins in 1954 when LE Volodarsky, a Norway-based surgeon, purchased the painting from Husain himself. At the time, Husain was still an emerging artist, and Volodarsky’s purchase was a significant endorsement of his talent. Over the next decade, Volodarsky cherished the painting and displayed it in his Oslo home. However, in 1964, he made a selfless decision that would change the fate of the artwork forever.
Volodarsky donated “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” to Oslo University Hospital, where it was exhibited in a private corridor. The hospital’s decision to display the painting was a testament to the surgeon’s commitment to promoting art and culture in the medical community. For over five decades, the painting remained a treasured possession of the hospital, admired by staff and patients alike.
So, what led to the painting’s recent sale at Christie’s auction? In 2019, the hospital decided to divest some of its assets, including the Husain painting, to raise funds for new medical equipment and facilities. The auction house approached the hospital with a view to selling the artwork, which was valued at a staggering ₹118 crore.
The sale of “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” has sparked widespread interest in the art world, with many wondering how a painting by India’s most celebrated artist ended up in a Norwegian hospital. The answer lies in the unique bond between Volodarsky and Husain, as well as the surgeon’s commitment to philanthropy.
Husain, who was born in 1915 and passed away in 2011, was a pioneer of Indian modern art. His works are renowned for their vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and exploration of themes such as Indian culture, mythology, and politics. “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” is a prime example of Husain’s style, with its bold lines, expressive brushstrokes, and intricate details.
The painting’s title, “Gram Yatra,” translates to “Village Journey” in Hindi. It is believed to be a depiction of Husain’s journey through rural India, capturing the beauty and simplicity of rural life. The work is a testament to Husain’s ability to distill the essence of Indian culture and tradition into his art.
The sale of “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” has significant implications for the art market and the legacy of MF Husain. It is a reminder of the artist’s enduring appeal and the value that art can bring to hospitals and medical institutions. The painting’s new owner, an anonymous buyer, has pledged to keep the artwork in India, ensuring that it remains a part of the country’s cultural heritage.
As we reflect on the journey of “Untitled (Gram Yatra),” we are reminded of the power of art to transcend borders and boundaries. From its origins in Husain’s Oslo home to its current resting place in a Norwegian hospital, the painting has traveled a remarkable distance. Its sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of Indian art and the generosity of individuals who have contributed to its preservation.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
