Art and Soul

The brothers opted out of the family business in Nigerian oil to fill a void in the Indian art market. Gaurav looks after operations in Mumbai,while Vikram is in charge at Delhi. They are holding their second exhibition in the city,which will continue till December 6. At the last one,held in March,they sold every piece and they’re hoping to repeat that success . With an expanded portfolio that includes the best of European art from Michael Wilkinson,Alan Berg,Tolla,Joseph Klibansky and Julien Marinetti and works by master artists Salvador Dali and Lorenzo Quinn,the Assomulls are optimistic. “Indian collectors are really opening up to European art. While there’s still a tendency to opt for well-known names like Dali and Picasso,somebody like Wilkinson is also a hit,with his glass and acrylic sculptures.”

It’s their energy and passion that make them successful. Vikram says,“We’re only as good as we are because we’re so hands-on. If we’re receiving shipments,we stay up from 9 pm to 6 am. We’re always there to guide our clients.” Gaurav informs that they’ve even been called upon for decoration ideas by their clients. “They often want me to suggest a piece for a particular corner of the house. I try to be as free of bias as possible,on these occasions. If I feel a Rs 3 lakh piece will look better there than a Rs 30 lakh piece,I suggest it. That helps build trust.” And trust is very important in their business.

After the exhibition comes a well-deserved vacation. But post that,they’re raring to expand their vision for the gallery. “We’re the only international art gallery in India and we really had no one to look to for guidance. We learnt from ourmistakes and with the experience we’ve gained,we’re planning to open branches in more cities and grow bigger as a brand,” says Gaurav.