Paresh Maity’s in-your-face oils on canvas occupy pride of place at Mumbai-based gallery owner Shanti Chopra’s annual show. In fact, the Delhi-based Bengali artist has 11 canvases priced between Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh on display.However, we suggest you focus on the Husains and Brootas instead. While the exact price of an early work by Husain is being withheld, judging by the prices of his 2x3 oils, it should be around Rs 15 lakh. ‘‘It was a pleasant surprise to see an early Husain. Sometimes, primal works are more vital. It also provides perspective to his current work, making the viewing of his oeuvre more meaningful,’’ says fellow Bombay Progressive Akbar Padamsee. Maity’s canvases may be arresting, but they can also be read as loud and lacking in depth and feeling. On the other hand, a large work by Rameshwar Broota, hung right at the end, has a man measuring his penis by placing a finger over it. Foregrounded by the artist, it therefore looks larger. Full of subtle irony, it’s clearly been downplayed for its content. Jitish Kallat’s diptych of two individuals inhabiting rural and urban spaces has the artist’s usual flair. It also marks his transition into what may be a new trajectory of style. Priced at about Rs 2.5 lakh it’s a steal. (The Art Musings anniversary exhibition is on at the Museum Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, till August 31)
