Eclectic hues

Sharon Apparao planned a show titled 20/20 ? a collection of 10 works each from the established and not-so-known artists.

Sharon Apparao planned a show titled 20/20 — a collection of 10 works each from the established and not-so-known artists on the 20th anniversary of Apparao Galleries.

The preview drew a similar, eclectic mix of guests. So even as Anjolie Ela Menon walked around talking about “the fantastic union of young and old artists,” super model Padma Lakshmi stole the limelight, even without managing a dekko at the paintings. “Padma and Salman (Rushdie) bought a painting from one of my exhibitions in Chennai. She’s a friend and that’s why she’s here,” said Apparao with a glow on her face.

Lakshmi may have caused quite a stir, but she was not the only celebrity guest. Feroze Gujral, who came dressed in her trademark style, also turned a few heads. “It’s good to see the works of aspiring and talented artists exhibited along with the stalwarts.”

Ask Apparao what’s selling and she says, “The classics. Husain, Raza… people want to buy the best. And they are willing to pay as much it takes.” She would know. Says Menon, whose work is inspiring many young artists and also being incessantly copied: “It’s not easy to be a curator. Sharon has some of best works by the masters. The temptation to sell is very difficult to resist for someone who possesses so much art”

Apparao’s list of wellwishers was long. Priya Paul, President, Park Hotels, was one of them. Looking at the exhibits, she said, “No, I haven’t bought anything from this exhibition. I am here to congratulate Sharon on the completion of 20 years of her gallery. It isn’t an easy thing to be in the business for so long and still retain the quality.”

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