5 must-have artists on your wall

J Swaminathan.

KRISHEN KHANNA
Extremely moving, strong figures lend energy to Khanna, and his series on Christ, the crucifixion, or the local bands, have a strong narrative focus. His concerns for the world around him are apparent, though never as isolated political statements . A Western sensibility rides across his canvases.
Prices: 2.5-30 lakh.
The alternative: F N Souza.

RAM KUMAR
Widely acknowledged as the master of abstractionism in the country, Kumar enjoys a low profile, but is skilled in turning out cityscapes (slightly sombre) and landscapes (more colourful and joyous). Increasingly, it's interesting to check out his bird's-eye views of the countryside, almost as though viewed from an airplane.
Prices: Rs 5-50 lakh.
The alternative: S H Raza.

ANJOLIE ELA MENON
Everyone wants at least one Menon canvas for the romantic nostalgia in her canvases. Her imagery, often communicated through a sense of voyeurism (you peep in through doors and windows, while her subject peeps out "" at you?), combines with muted, but glowing colours that has found many admirers. Unfortunately, this has limited her to a "drawing room artist", which is why she is loved by socialites and those who don't have pretensions to "understanding" art.
Price: Rs 3-20 lakh.
The alternative: Satish Gujral.

MANU PAREKH
His paintings range from the graphic to the subliminal; there is more than a sexual flavour in his works, some of which walk the tightrope between offensive and shocking. Yet his range is diverse and his experimentations and materials are varied. But you might want to place him on a wall in the corridor, and not over the fireplace "" unless you want to provoke a disturbing discussion on the parameters of art and artists.
Price: Rs 1.25-5 lakh.
The alternative: Bhupen Khakhar.

(All prices are based on canvases, not paper.)