Investing in Feng Shui Paintings

"Last year I acquired the acrylic painting Greedy Dragon of Ambition from you. I got two promotions and major raises in salary. Now I have a new, lucrative job offer from an MNC."- Nick.

Investment in paintings is being considered safe as the prices of the paintings are always on the rise. Indian paintings, bought for peanuts few years ago, too have fetched mind blowing amounts at Sotheby’s and Chistie’s. But I never thought what is creative and professional work for me will turn into `investment` avenue for people but that is what the art world seems to have become. And if the mail that I have received from Nick (name withheld) is any indication, my Feng Shui paintings are being `resold`!

Here is the mail that I have received:

Dear Mr Mohan Deep,

Nick

There are some errors of omission in the letter. The line about who is trying to buy my painting from him is not clear but it doesn’t matter. What is important to me as an artiste is that my acrylics are hanging in the living rooms of the people who have reached for Feng Shui help.

I have never considered myself your regular Feng Shui expert `selling` Fu Dogs and three legged toads or teaching Feng Shui. Besides the years of research that I have given to the ancient science of geomancy, Feng Shui has also given me immense creative satisfaction. Unlike the mass produced Feng Shui `cures`, I paint and energize my `cures`. I have always liked to paint and had always followed the trends in the world of art. I see myself standing a little apart from the regular shopkeepers masquerading as Feng Shui Master. And I feel very good.

Should you invest in my painting?

To be candid, I have my doubts. Nick might have considered `reselling` my greedy dragon but I do not think anyone will want to sell or resell what is apparently boosting his business or career.

For those who might wish to `invest` in my paintings there is some good news. I am working out a series of acrylics that will be subtle Feng Shui paintings. Dragon, Phoenix, Laughing Buddha and Feng Shui symbols will certainly be present but in a subtle way…They may go almost unnoticed and yet be effective Feng Shui remedies.