How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
The world of art is often shrouded in mystery, with stories of masterpieces being sold and traded behind closed doors. But sometimes, a work of art’s journey is as fascinating as the art itself. One such story is that of MF Husain’s “Untitled (Gram Yatra)”, which has recently become India’s most expensive artwork, selling for a staggering ₹118 crore at a Christie’s auction. But what’s even more intriguing is the painting’s journey to its current home – a Norway hospital.
The story begins in 1954, when late Indian artist MF Husain, known for his bold and vibrant depictions of Indian mythology and culture, sold the painting to a Norway-based surgeon named LE Volodarsky. At the time, Volodarsky was an enthusiastic art collector, and Husain’s work was a prized addition to his collection.
Volodarsky, who had a deep appreciation for Indian art, purchased the painting from Husain in 1954, shortly after it was created. Over the next decade, the painting remained in Volodarsky’s possession, adorning the walls of his Oslo home.
But in 1964, Volodarsky made a surprising decision – he donated the painting to the Oslo University Hospital, where it was exhibited in a private corridor. At the time, the hospital was undergoing renovations, and Volodarsky wanted to contribute to the hospital’s development. He also believed that the painting would bring a touch of Indian culture to the hospital’s walls.
For the next several decades, the painting remained at the hospital, serving as a symbol of the strong ties between India and Norway. Despite being a prominent work by one of India’s most celebrated artists, the painting was not widely known or exhibited outside of the hospital.
Fast forward to 2020, when the painting was sold at a Christie’s auction in New York for a record-breaking ₹118 crore. The buyer was an anonymous collector, but the painting’s journey to the auction block was a remarkable one.
So, how did a priceless Indian artwork end up in a Norway hospital? The story is a testament to the power of art to bring people together, transcending borders and cultures. From its creation in India to its sale in Norway, “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” has had a remarkable journey, touching the lives of many along the way.
The painting’s sale has sparked a renewed interest in Husain’s work, with many art enthusiasts and collectors clamoring to learn more about the artist and his oeuvre. Husain, who passed away in 2011, was a pioneer of modern Indian art, known for his bold and expressive style, which often blended traditional Indian motifs with modernist techniques.
As the news of the painting’s sale spread, many have been left wondering what the future holds for the artwork. Will it remain in the possession of the anonymous collector, or will it be exhibited in a museum or gallery, where it can be appreciated by the general public? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the story of “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” serves as a reminder of the power of art to bridge cultures and bring people together. From its early days in India to its current home in Norway, the painting has had a remarkable journey, and its sale has sparked a renewed interest in Husain’s work and the world of Indian art.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
