Indian art market

Bangkok-based Thavibu Gallery representing artists
from Thailand Vietnam and Burma, says, "Customs regulations
in India makes it difficult to sell international artists
here. If the regulations are simplified we would bring more
artists," says Jorn Middelborg, gallery director.

Leading Burmese artist Auug Kyaw Htet vibrant
paintings were very popular among Indians with one work
selling for as much as Rs 4,50,000.

Arario Gallery which has branches in Seoul, Beijing
and New York brought with it Indian and Asian works, including
an installation by L M Tallur "Digestive System" tagged at USD
55,000.

"Indian artists are by style and form very
international but they attempt political and economic themes
which is difficult to interpret by somebody who is not
familiar with India," says a representative of Arario.

Says Middelborg, who has exhibited at Singapore and
Taipei, "The Indian fair had more visitors there are just as
many collectors here but they need to open up to international
art. South East Asian art is reasonably priced and provides
good value for money." PTI