10th November, 2008

New Delhi: Art, Bihar and charity are three words which are not usually heard together. But the victims of the Bihar floods have found good Samaritans in 31 artists from across the country.

Contemporary artist Subodh Gupta, in association with Saffron Art and Trident, has organised an art auction to help raise Rs 3 crore for the flood victims.

"When something happens to my home, and I belong from Bihar so why can’t I do something so I call all my friends. Everybody appreciated it and no one asked me any question. Winters are approaching, people need blankets medicine right now and if we could do something quickly that is more important. This shows how strong art community is," says Subodh Gupta.

"The best part is that it is happening at a time when people have completely forgotten about Bihar," says Director of Goonj Anshu Gupta.

Goonj is an NGO which provides clothes and other basic amenities to far flung villagers.

Artists like Bharti Kher, TV Santhosh, Dayanita Singh, Bharat Sikka, Ram Rahman and Mithu Sen have donated their work. But then, just how easy was it to get all these famous names to come together and donate.

"A lot of the artists were happy to contribute to such a project because it really came from their heart and it is an area that is in great need," says Director Nature Morte Peter Nagy.

Bihar's tragedy was one of India's worst calamities and now with high profile artists contributing to the cause, it is a win win situation for all. The buyers will get the art and the artists work will be appreciated and most importantly charity can hang at home.

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