THIS week’s column was supposed to be on something else, but with every single publication in India, splashing their front, back and inside pages with the news about the death of artist Tyeb Mehta, I am impelled to pay my humble salutation to this great artist.

Among the most modest and reticent of artists, and extremely fussy about the quality of his own work, one will find that there are far less works by Tyeb Mehta than most other painters of his generation. But if one was lucky enough to get to see his completed works, you were left with no doubt about the quality of his work. One would come away with the knowledge that you were in the presence of greatness.

Tyeb Mehta’s distinctive style was immediately recognisable and like others of his generation, he too was given to painting mythological beings. One publication even quoted someone who plaintively asked – “Who will paint our gods and goddesses now?” His compositions often used a diagonal format; his drawing was strong and powerful. The solidity of his figures enhanced by the simplicity of form was always rendered through his own unique palette of colours.

Among the highest grossers at international art auctions, Tyeb Mehta’s Mahisasura, Celebration, Kali, and numerous other equally important works, have been purchased by unknown international collectors. I just hope that some of these iconic works will remain (or shall we say return to) in India, so that posterity can appreciate an artist, whom many have called as India’s greatest artist.

I must also report on the success of Osian’s auction held on June 30. Prices for art works were better than usual and there was more enthusiasm shown by bidders. A Manjit Bawa went for Rs 1.6 crore, while a Gaitonde went for Rs 1.8 crore. There were bids for most of the works and Neville Tuli appears to be confident of the veil of gloom in the Indian art scenario lifting soon. He believes that in the next year and a half, we should see a correction, especially for good quality works. This then is the time for artists to work hard and be ready for the good times that are being predicted.

I must mention the Art Summit at this point as I find that my artist friends in Kolkata are unaware of it. Only one Kolkata art gallery, Akar Prakar, appears to be participating in the Summit this year. I do hope the summit directors will take a little more interest in the artist community from the eastern part of India and that we will see a good representation from them at the summit. There are a number of very talented artists in Kolkata just waiting to have the opportunity. I hope this appeal won’t go unnoticed.

Jhupu Adhikari is the winner of numerous advertising design awards and a painter of repute