Wadhwani next to Attention, a mixed media work, by Pratap Morey. Pic/Sneha Kharabe

It was a happy coincidence that when Amit Mahateny, 34, decided that he wanted to build a collection of art, he was introduced to a new collectors' club. Mahateny, who lives in Colaba and owns a prominent luxury 5-star in Chennai, is not new to the idea of purchasing artworks. At least, professionally, that is, since the hotel houses some notable works. When it came to building a personal collection, however, it is a taste that he is still pruning. It is a Jekyll and Hyde situation for Mahateny, as he says. Carpe Arte, an informal club of collectors, comes in handy for this reason. "We have been brought together by a common interest and it is a great way for those who want to develop a personal aesthetic," he says.