“Our objective is to become a place that celebrates the experimental undertakings of cutting-edge artists in the region,” not, as popularly supposed, “to sell the works discreetly, behind closed doors,” says Poddar, who adds that when he and his family buy, “we ask ourselves how to better complete our collection.”

For India, where museums are virtually nonexistent and a commercial-gallery scene is just beginning to develop, the foundation represents a significant step forward. For Poddar, it is a natural outgrowth of his passionate commitment to the art that he needs to be surrounded by to thrive. “Once you begin to install artworks in your house, the space is much more active,” he says. “There are so many conversations all the time. It is a feeling that gives me immense joy and satisfaction.”

"Taking It All In" originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of Art+Auction. For a complete list of articles from this issue available on ARTINFO, see Art+Auction's September 2008 Table of Contents.