Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Can Air India Profit from Its Art Collection?

July 16, 2012 by Marion Maneker

Air India is looking to make some money off its collection of art, according to the Financial Times which remains doubtful that the strategy will yield cash or positive publicity for the national carrier:

The state carrier hopes to raise money through its valuable art collection, which includes both Indian antiquities – including woodcarvings and sculptures – and around 18 works by contemporary masters such as the late MF Husain.

Airline officials told Indian reporters that the treasures can be ‘rented’ to galleries, or perhaps even sold – and they now have plans to appoint a consultant to catalogue and value the art works.

As the FT points out, there’s a flaw to this logic. Husain remains radioactive among the country’s Hindu population and selling the works out of the country would be unpopular. India, of course, lacks the museum infrastructure to absorb the works. So that leaves a wealthy Indian collector who might not be motivated to pay top prices without competition.

 Air India: Cashing In On Its Art (Beyond Brics/FT)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Auction Analysis: Paris Contemporary Sales, 2007-2018Auction Analysis: Paris Contemporary Sales, 2007-2018
  • Jacob de Backer’s Liberation of Saint Peter Sets an Online Record at Christie’s $3 M. Old Masters AuctionJacob de Backer’s Liberation of Saint Peter Sets an Online Record at Christie’s $3 M. Old Masters Auction
  • Cautious Photo Dealers Keep One Eye on Wall St.Cautious Photo Dealers Keep One Eye on Wall St.
  • AVA Art Fund's Unusual WaysAVA Art Fund's Unusual Ways
  • 20 Years On, Gormley’s Angel Flies at Sotheby’s20 Years On, Gormley’s Angel Flies at Sotheby’s
  • Richardson Weighs in on Le Guennec PicassosRichardson Weighs in on Le Guennec Picassos

Filed Under: Collectors

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor