The month-long show ends on February 28. Although Ashtanayak is about contemporary art, all the artists featured made a name in the 1950s. "They were friends, and they were struggling for a break around that time," explains Ms Kalpana Shah of Tao Art Gallery, who has conceptualised the show. "Each of them is now a famous international artist, so Ashtanayak is a pleasant revival of memories."

Two of each artist's past works are juxtaposed with two new paintings especially done for this exhibition. Some of the old pieces belong to private collections and the gallery is proud to have procured them for this display. It is a coup d'etat of sorts. In fact, most visitors wonder how Ms Shah managed to get the eight doyens together. "After all, the gallery is only a year old, so to get such major artists to showcase their works and paintings for the exhibition was a lucky break," she says.

The lady describes herself as a small collector and artist. "It is probably the absence of an art background that gives me a fresh perspective in the field," she says. More of her smart ideas will be on display throughout 2001. For instance, Tao will host a six-month show by artists from various regions in the country from July to December. Before that, April will see the gallery play host to the eight best calligraphers of the country. For Ms Shah, this is "an opportunity to honour these famous artists for their contribution to art". In Ashtanayak, particularly, she has tried to retain the identity and individuality of each painter in the presentation despite it being a group show.

Bella Jaisinghani