Fake paintings: Should the painters unite to help customers?

[Editor]

Hi everyone,

Recently, a Delhi painting collector Suman was duped when she came to know that the painting, Anjolie Ela Menon’s Female head, which she had purchased for a whopping 45 lakhs, was a copy and the original is sitting pretty in a gallery at London. The important point to note is that Suman contacted Menon after purchase and then she came to know that she was duped.

This raises a few questions like even though there are certain criteria, which helps art connoisseurs to judge, they still have to be doubly sure before actually purchasing the work of art, because in this field logic and hunches both play a major role.

Secondly, in recent times there has been a rising trend among the overseas customers to purchase works of art when they visit India. Can the painters themselves unite and discuss various factors that one should consider before buying, I mean some kind of pre-purchase counseling available before people buy them. It is sad that even after shelling out so much money there is no guarantee the product is original. What is your gutfeel?

Regards,
Charu

[anshulseth]

Hi ppl,
This issue is not new and can b found in almost every field. If u don't hv the requisite knowledge to chaff right from wrong, u r liable 2 b duped.
But this issue is more so dominant in the cases like paintings, antiques etc.
I feel even after u hv a gr8 eye for these things, there r chances tht u may b duped.
But even then ppl buy or bid for these luxuries, as they come with an attachment of status symbol.The pride of owning these rare items make ppl take these risks.
Only an increased awareness can help to reduce this menace somewhat. A prior homework will go a long way in helping customers to save themselves.
Knowledge is power.

But there is no sure shot remedy to this problem.


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[Aditi77_k]

Yes i agree that knowledge and awareness are the key to not getting fooled...that applies to every aspect of our life. In this case, i liked the editor's suggetion that painter's shud themselves form a group to help and educate the people who are interested in purchasing works of art.

[Editor]

[shedevil]

i feel that if the person bought it she must have done some research before that. I think the onus lies on the person itself...yes off course teh painters can do some kind of social work by counselling people..