Anurag Khanna began collecting art as a hobby post his marriage. Noticing the interest of visitors in his art collection, Khanna soon began to look at art collecting in a more serious light. Over the years, he has amassed works from many noted artists. While these were previously displayed in his house, about 10 years ago, the couple have begun lending out their collections to museum shows, biennials etc. Khanna's detailed eye for art, also won him the Young Collector of the Year award by Forbes in 2014.
The Goan: Is this the first time that your collection is making it's way to Goa?
Anurag Khanna: Yes it is and the first where the entire show is dedicated to works from our collection.
TG:Your thoughts on the video art scene in India
Its at a nascent stage at this moment with some artists using the medium very well and some are still getting comfortable with the medium but I'm sure with time many will be able to express themselves well with video art.
TG:Also, you've stated that it's not a medium you can easily trade. Is this still the case? And why?
There are not many takers for the medium, most collectors want safe art, art that they can sell easily tomorrow if they want. There is not a good secondary market for video art, few works have sold at auctions but still it's at a stage where all involved in video art be it artists, gallerists, auction houses and collectors are still wondering how to make this a more desirable object to acquire.
TG:What are the important things to keep in mind when collecting and storing video art?
It can be stored in a cool dry place like most other mediums of art. One needs to be careful with the contracts and update the technology when things develop in this fast moving technology driven world so that you can archive the work well. Its not difficult, I am managing, I'm sure others can too!
TG:You've mentioned that you are friends with some of the artists that you collect. Are the artists whose works that are going to be displayed aware that their works will be in Goa?
Yes all the artists and their galleries have been informed about the show. There is a catalog that comes out for which they have contributed to the same. Each of these works have specific display requirements which are mentioned in the contract and we are always in touch with the artists to ensure that works are shown absolutely in the way they desire them to be seen, its a matter of respect for the artwork and the artist.
TG: While, you earlier collected works by intuition, this isn't always the case now. What brought about the change?
Intuition and gut is definitely playing an important role in how I collect but just that I seem to be more focused on what direction I want the collection to move into and that requires reading, understanding and absorbing many aspects of the work before we can get them home. When one starts to collect, one runs in all directions but overtime you realize what means more to you than others, you have to create a dense web and that can't be done only by intuition, it needs to be on an informed decision.
TG: No doubt over the years you have developed a liking for certain artistic themes in particular. What are some that you really enjoy?
There are many things that bother us in the world we live in, political issues, gender and feminist concerns, personal stories and the pain and happiness that come with it, all this in art is becoming more and more important for me. Different art movements like minimalism, abstraction and color field paintings are all becoming more interesting for me at this moment.
