How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
India’s art world was left stunned when Christie’s auction house sold a painting by the legendary artist MF Husain for a staggering ₹118 crore. The painting, titled “Untitled (Gram Yatra)”, has now become India’s most expensive artwork, and its journey to reaching the Oslo University Hospital in Norway is a fascinating tale of art, philanthropy, and human connections.
The story begins in the 1950s when MF Husain, one of India’s most celebrated artists, was still in his prime. At that time, he was part of the Progressive Artists’ Group, a collective of avant-garde artists who sought to break away from traditional Indian art forms. Husain’s unique style, which blended elements of Indian folk art with modernist techniques, was already gaining recognition in India and abroad.
It was during this period that Husain sold his painting “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” to a Norwegian surgeon named LE Volodarsky for his Oslo home. Volodarsky, who was an art enthusiast, had been following Husain’s work and was impressed by his innovative style. He saw an opportunity to not only own a piece of art but also to support a talented artist.
Over the next decade, Volodarsky and Husain maintained a close relationship. Volodarsky would often visit Husain’s studio in Mumbai, where he would witness the artist at work, experimenting with new techniques and styles. The surgeon would also invite Husain to Oslo, where the artist would give lectures and workshops to art enthusiasts.
In 1964, Volodarsky made a surprising decision. He decided to donate the painting “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” to the Oslo University Hospital, where he worked as a surgeon. The hospital, which was founded in 1814, was one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions in Norway. Volodarsky believed that the painting would not only bring joy to the hospital’s patients and staff but also serve as a symbol of the power of art to heal and bring people together.
The painting was exhibited in a private corridor of the hospital, where it remained for over five decades. During this time, it became a beloved part of the hospital’s culture, with staff and patients alike admiring its beauty and significance.
Fast-forward to 2022, when Christie’s auction house decided to put the painting up for sale. The auction house had been approached by the Oslo University Hospital, which was looking to raise funds for a new art therapy program. The hospital had decided to sell the painting, which was now valued at ₹118 crore, to support the program.
The auction was conducted in Dubai, and the painting was sold to an anonymous buyer for the staggering sum of ₹118 crore. The buyer has not been revealed, but it is believed that the painting will be displayed in a public museum or gallery, where it will be accessible to art lovers and enthusiasts.
The sale of “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” has sparked a renewed interest in MF Husain’s work, which is widely regarded as some of the most important and innovative in Indian art history. Husain’s paintings, which often explored themes of Indian identity, culture, and politics, continue to inspire and provoke artists and art lovers around the world.
The story of how “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” reached the Oslo University Hospital is a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and cultures. It is a reminder that art has the ability to bring people together, to heal and to inspire. As we reflect on the journey of this painting, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage, and of the role that art can play in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
