President condoles passing away of artist Tyeb Mehta

NEW DELHI - President Pratibha Patil has condoled the passing away of the renowned artist Tyeb Mehta.

In her condolence message, President Patil said, “Mehta was a celebrated artist and a role model for modern and contemporary Indian artists. He had exhibited a number of heart touching paintings such as “Celebration”, “Kali” and “Mahishasura”.”

“He will be a source of inspiration for all those interested in art and culture. In his passing away, the nation has lost a creative and acclaimed artist,” the President added.

Mehta passed away at his residence on Thursday. He was suffering from a heart ailment.

The 83-year-old artist holds the record for the highest price an Indian painting has ever sold in a public auction for “Celebration” at Christie”s in 2002.

Born in Kapadvanj, a town in Gujarat, Mehta is survived by his wife Sakhina, a son and a daughter.

In May 2005, his painting “Kali” sold for 10 million Indian rupees at Indian auction house Saffronart”s online auction.

In December 2005, Mehta”s painting “Gesture” was sold for 31 million Indian rupees to Ranjit Malkani, chairman of Kuomi Travel, at the Osian”s auction.

This makes it the highest price paid by an Indian for Indian contemporary art at an auction in India.

He received Padma Bhushan award in 2007. (ANI)