NEW DELHI - Vice President Hamid Ansari has deeply condoled the demise of Tyeb Mehta, renowned artist and recipient of Padma Bhushan.

In his condolence message, Ansari said that a brilliant artist and recipient of many awards, Mehta contributed immensely to the world of painting and will ever remain a major source of inspiration to younger generations. In his death, the country has lost an eminent artist.

“My wife joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and the wide circle of his admirers and friends. We pray to the Almighty to grant them strength and fortitude to withstand this tragedy,” the Vice 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)