Few takers for heritage paintings at IAFA

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 21

SG Thakar Singh, one of the most celebrated and prominent artistes of his time, painted his famous art work ‘After The Bath’, one in his series of seductive paintings of women, in 1924. He received accolades and an award of 800 pounds (estimated) at the British Empire Exhibition in London for his work and it became one of the most celebrated art works of the time. “The Queen herself had congratulated Thakar Singh for his painting and he went on create a series of paintings based on the theme,” says Dr PS Grover, artist and general secretary, Indian Academy of Fine Arts (IAFA).

Now, the painting, considered a highly priced piece of art, finds its place safe on the wall of the exhibition hall at the IAFA. Another of his works, a painting of a beach in Mumbai, also finds its place close by. “We have not just Thakar Singh’s works, but 30 valuable and celebrated works from artistes, such as Sobha Singh, Amrita Shergill, GS Sohan Singh and Hari Singh.”

The IAFA was established by Thakar Singh during his stay in the city to teach art to willing students and hoping to promote art through consistent efforts. Today, even with an open exhibition of these valuable paintings being put up by IAFA, these prized possessions find lesser admirers than they should.

“It is unfortunate that these paintings need promotion for art lovers to come visit. It is mostly visited by art students and those who know their historical importance,” says Grover.

The gallery currently houses over 50 heritage paintings, works that date back to 1928, in a separate hall that is kept temperature controlled and under 24/7 surveillance. “We put them up for restoration once a year and it takes seven to eight days to complete the procedure. The temperature is kept between 26-28 degrees and we are also lobbying for developing a conservatory laboratory for the purpose.”

With sudden temperature fall due to rainfall and increasing humidity, a special chemical has been kept to absorb the humidity.

Every year, the gallery adds to its collection by organising a national workshop for renowned artistes.