'One good painting acquired is better than collecting 20'

Sayed Haider Raza says he left India in 1950 to know more about art but "if you cut my veins today, you'll see that Narmada still flows in my veins".

For three decades Paris-based Raza has diligently blended Indian philosophy into his art, using geometry and music to build his visual vocabulary. Last year, one of his works from the Bindu series "" "Bindu Bija-mantra""" fetched a record Rs 68 lakh at the Saffronart auction.

A founder member of Mumbai's Progressive Artists Group (including K H Ara, F N Souza,M F Husain) Raza celebrated his 83rd birthday in India this week. The artist spoke to Business Standard about his museum in France and Indian art.

Where does Indian contemporary art fit in the global scenario?

Scholars around the world are slowly recognising the significance of Indian contemporary art. The projection of Indian art in galleries in the west and now its exposure in places like Japan and Singapore, show that Indian work is being recognised by the experts of the world.

Like Tagore and Jamini Roy, artists today such as Seema Ghuraiya, Sujata Bajaj, Akhilesh and Manish Jain Phuskele are producing work that is deeply rooted in India.

What are the challenges for Indian contemporary art?

Painting is a difficult language and Indian painters should continue to draw inspiration from Indian elements. However, it does not mean that we do not link with western influences in times of globalisation. But while installation and pop art come from America, we must also work on Indian concepts.

Are artists today working in resonse to market pressure?

We are all human beings and some are affected, I believe. In the 40s and 50s, there was hardly any market for art. Our works fetched not more than Rs 40 or Rs 50. From 1959, the prices went up.

In the 90s, Indian art got a lot of exposure in London and Paris but what has happened in the past four years is extraordinary. I am reluctant to talk about money. But at the same time I'm happy that the Indian diaspora is taking interest in Indian art.

Americans buy American art, why shouldn't an Indian buy Indian art?

Have you ever attended an art auction?

I have never attended one or sold a painting to an auction house. I'm not hurrying up my work either as an act of painting is like a prayer to me. I believe painting is a inner necessity, not a profession but a vocation.

What are the main objectives of the Raza-Mongillat museum?

The museum will be an extension of the Musee Palais Carnoles, a city museum in Menton in south of France. We will show works of Indian and French artists as well as display my late wife Janine Mongillat's and my works.

And the Raza Foundation...

I honestly started it out in memory of my difficult beginnings as a painter. Raza Foundation seeks to promote young Indian artists and we do a serious survey as it's more difficult to be recognised if you do original work. I am devoting my entire resources with a view that it would be in memory of a couple who lived and worked for 42 years.

Any advice on art investment?

One must acquire a painting only when one really cares for it and not because of speculation. Number is not important. One good painting acquired is better than collecting 20.