Anu Bajaj uses her creative instincts to marry and investment
The great test of an artwork revolves around the ability of the artist to make the rasika, or viewer, appreciate the devotion of the creator and build complete unison between the production, consumption and, consequently, the appreciation of the artwork.
This is why the sculptures of Khajuraho evoke pure joy even in the precincts of a temple, as they aptly portray the emotions and feelings of the created beings. Some may even read devotion in the ceaseless gyrations of the mythological Menaka, as she tries to wean away a priest, hell-bent on attaining his objective.
Perhaps this explains the presence of the oil-on-canvas painting titled ‘Menkaa’ by Sunil Kumar in a gallery that aims at depicting positive art. Another remarkable water-on-paper painting, ‘Devoted to Mankind’ depicts a bare-breasted woman devoutly breastfeeding her child. The painting portrays such intense devotion that the nudity of the woman becomes near-invisible.
Anu Bajan, the young entrepreneur behind Gallery Art Positive, surely knows the pulse of the society’s ever-changing tastes and is therefore encouraging “positivism, hope and joy” through her collections. Plus, there is the added incentive to cash in on the new trend of viewing art as a ripe investment option. After all, her husband Rajiv Bajaj runs a well-known investment advisory company called Bajaj Capital.
The company advises clients on investing in art, but only after a thorough need-analysis test and confirming positive interest from the client.
Says Rajiv, “Art, besides rejuvenating the mind and soul is also one of the most profitable asset classes. Abroad, investment advisors have already realized this on a more extensive basis and art is an inherent part of their overall financial planning.” In the near future, he even envisages a time when art galleries will become a permanent feature of Bajaj Capital’s offices across the country.
Providing technical competence to this venture is Anu through her deep understanding of art. Anu and her team are constantly on the prowl for ‘rising stars’ – young and talented artists, who are given a platform to showcase their work alongside the work of senior artists. Famous and upcoming artists featured at her gallery include A.S. Chitrak, Anand Panchal, Anjanna Kuthiala, Bratin Khan, Dharmendra Rathore, Jatin Das, Manish Pushkale, Niren Sengupta, Nupur Kundu, Prithvi Soni, R.K. Panwar, Subrata Kundu, Sudip Roy, T. Vaikuntam, Vandana Shourie and Vijender Sharma.
Interestingly the brain behind the venture is the senior Bajaj – Anu’s father-in-law and Chairman of Bajaj Capital, K.K. Bajaj. A devotee of Ganesha, he started an online gallery Ganeshaonline.com that sells art and artifact related to the elephant-head god. Bajaj Sr.’s devotion can be gauged from the extensive number of artifacts that he personally owns, the company logo featuring Ganesha’s trunk and from the fact that all company literature and gifts inevitably revolve around the subject of Ganesha.
Noticing his daughter-in-law’s penchant for art, he persuaded her to open Gallery Art Positive.
Today, Anu is buoyed by positive predictions for the Indian economy which would slowly but surely give a fillip to investment in art. “It is an investment only if you make an educated choice, and we are here to advise you in doing this,” says Anu. “However, if you want art only for aesthetic pleasure, then you go by your choice.”
Anu knows, however, that the aesthetic aspect of an artwork is intrinsic to a good investment. “It has to be pleasing and ought to connect with you.” Therefore, she advises clients to put money only where they find the work aesthetically appealing.
Moving away from the theme of devotion and spirituality, Anu plans an exhibition on horses, where a young and talented artist Amitesh VErma will get to showcase his paintings alongside the works of the famous artist Sunil Das from Kolkata.
“Each painting is a reflection of the artist’s interpretation of ‘devotion’. For some it has meant devotion to God, for some the archetypal devotion of the mother to the child, for someone else it could simply be the devotion to their work, their ‘dharma’. What is important, however, is that together, the paintings communicate a positive energy, a vibrancy, which enriches and elevates. And creates a flow of devotion between the artist, his work and the viewer,” says Anu.
The great test of an artwork revolves around the ability of the artist to make the rasika, or viewer, appreciate the devotion of the creator and build complete unison between the production, consumption and, consequently, the appreciation of the artwork.
This is why the sculptures of Khajuraho evoke pure joy even in the precincts of a temple, as they aptly portray the emotions and feelings of the created beings. Some may even read devotion in the ceaseless gyrations of the mythological Menaka, as she tries to wean away a priest, hell-bent on attaining his objective.
Perhaps this explains the presence of the oil-on-canvas painting titled ‘Menkaa’ by Sunil Kumar in a gallery that aims at depicting positive art. Another remarkable water-on-paper painting, ‘Devoted to Mankind’ depicts a bare-breasted woman devoutly breastfeeding her child. The painting portrays such intense devotion that the nudity of the woman becomes near-invisible.
Anu Bajan, the young entrepreneur behind Gallery Art Positive, surely knows the pulse of the society’s ever-changing tastes and is therefore encouraging “positivism, hope and joy” through her collections. Plus, there is the added incentive to cash in on the new trend of viewing art as a ripe investment option. After all, her husband Rajiv Bajaj runs a well-known investment advisory company called Bajaj Capital.
The company advises clients on investing in art, but only after a thorough need-analysis test and confirming positive interest from the client.
Says Rajiv, “Art, besides rejuvenating the mind and soul is also one of the most profitable asset classes. Abroad, investment advisors have already realized this on a more extensive basis and art is an inherent part of their overall financial planning.” In the near future, he even envisages a time when art galleries will become a permanent feature of Bajaj Capital’s offices across the country.
Providing technical competence to this venture is Anu through her deep understanding of art. Anu and her team are constantly on the prowl for ‘rising stars’ – young and talented artists, who are given a platform to showcase their work alongside the work of senior artists. Famous and upcoming artists featured at her gallery include A.S. Chitrak, Anand Panchal, Anjanna Kuthiala, Bratin Khan, Dharmendra Rathore, Jatin Das, Manish Pushkale, Niren Sengupta, Nupur Kundu, Prithvi Soni, R.K. Panwar, Subrata Kundu, Sudip Roy, T. Vaikuntam, Vandana Shourie and Vijender Sharma.
Interestingly the brain behind the venture is the senior Bajaj – Anu’s father-in-law and Chairman of Bajaj Capital, K.K. Bajaj. A devotee of Ganesha, he started an online gallery Ganeshaonline.com that sells art and artifact related to the elephant-head god. Bajaj Sr.’s devotion can be gauged from the extensive number of artifacts that he personally owns, the company logo featuring Ganesha’s trunk and from the fact that all company literature and gifts inevitably revolve around the subject of Ganesha.
Noticing his daughter-in-law’s penchant for art, he persuaded her to open Gallery Art Positive.
Today, Anu is buoyed by positive predictions for the Indian economy which would slowly but surely give a fillip to investment in art. “It is an investment only if you make an educated choice, and we are here to advise you in doing this,” says Anu. “However, if you want art only for aesthetic pleasure, then you go by your choice.”
Anu knows, however, that the aesthetic aspect of an artwork is intrinsic to a good investment. “It has to be pleasing and ought to connect with you.” Therefore, she advises clients to put money only where they find the work aesthetically appealing.
Moving away from the theme of devotion and spirituality, Anu plans an exhibition on horses, where a young and talented artist Amitesh VErma will get to showcase his paintings alongside the works of the famous artist Sunil Das from Kolkata.
“Each painting is a reflection of the artist’s interpretation of ‘devotion’. For some it has meant devotion to God, for some the archetypal devotion of the mother to the child, for someone else it could simply be the devotion to their work, their ‘dharma’. What is important, however, is that together, the paintings communicate a positive energy, a vibrancy, which enriches and elevates. And creates a flow of devotion between the artist, his work and the viewer,” says Anu.
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