After the outstanding success of the milestone 100th auction and ‘The Exceptionals’ Jewellery, Silver and Timepieces auction, AstaGuru is set to host two consecutive auctions dedicated to Modern & Contemporary Indian art. The Modern Indian Art Auction titled ‘Stroke & Structure’ is scheduled to be held on June 20-21, 2024 and will showcase a wide collection of works belonging to the oeuvre of important modernist figures. The contemporary art auction titled ‘Visionaries’ will be held on June 23-24, 2024 will offer works by leading contemporary artists.
Talking about the auction, Sunny Chandiramani, Senior VP – Client Relations of AstaGuru says, “We are thrilled to curate these two back-to-back auctions, which provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of Indian art from the 20th to the 21st century. The ‘Stroke & Structure’ catalogue highlights the seminal works of modernist pioneers like Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher-Gil, along with the ground breaking Progressive Artists’ Group and other important figures who shaped the narrative of modern Indian art. On the other hand, the ‘Visionaries’ auction will showcase the vibrant dynamism of contemporary Indian art. Featuring works by trailblazers like Anish Kapoor, this auction celebrates the innovative spirit of the new generation, who continually push artistic boundaries. Together, these auctions offer seasoned and emerging collectors alike a chance to enrich their collections with pivotal works that span decades of artistic excellence.”
Highlights from ‘Stroke & Structure’ Modern Indian Art Auction:
Lot no. 4 is a rare sketch from the early years of legendary Amrita- Shergil who remains to be one of the most famous and loved personalities of Modern Indian art. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 10,00,000 – 15,00,000.
An extremely important work by artist M F Husain, lot no. 81, is being showcased in the auction. Women inspired M F Husain to create some of his most iconic, as well as emotionally charged paintings. In the presented lot, executed in 1965, one can observe four women, rooted in a sense of universality, deeply engaged, and communicating, not through words or a spoken dialect but through quiet gestures. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 2,50,00,000 – 3,50,00,000.
Another creation by Husain, lot no. 12 showcases his deep devotion to the theme of Indian mythology in his oeuvre. Executed with acrylic on a wood board, the work showcases the important Ramayana scene of lord Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. Executed sometime during the 1980s, it is offered with an estimate of INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000.
Both the works are also published in the seminal book on artist ‘The Eternal Master – Selected Works 1941-2011’ by The Arts Trust.
Lot no. 20 is a sculptural rendition to Krishen Khanna’s famous ‘Bandwallah’ series which brings to life the vibrant spirit of Indian street musicians. A brilliant example of the artist’s multifaceted approach to capturing these musicians who are quintessential to the wedding culture in India, this bronze sculpture is offered with an estimate of INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000.
Lot no. 35 is a work titled ‘Dancers’ by artist Sakti Burman. Burman’s paintings often have a surrealist quality, drawing on a rich tapestry of Hindu and European mythology as well as his own memories. This work is estimated to sell at INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000.
Lot no. 75 is an important creation by artist Jogen Chowdhury titled ‘See My Wounds.’ The work is a brilliant example of Chowdhury’s recurrent theme of gruesome wounds and mangled limbs.
Disturbing yet riveting, these images are powerful visual narratives that lastingly sear the imagination of the viewer. Executed in 2018 with ink, pastel, and pen, it is offered with an estimated INR 65,00,000 – 80,00,000.
Lot no. 101 is a large-scale creation by artist Manu Parekh who has consistently revisited the holy city of Benares. Depicting a sunset scene, the majestic creation spans around 17 feet. It is offered with an estimate of INR 40,00,000 – 60,00,000.
Lot no. 107 is a beautiful creation from the early career of artist Krishen Khanna during which he was inspired by calligraphy and how it conveyed meaning and emotion through the brushstrokes and the interplay of light and dark. Executed in 1965, it is offered with an estimate of INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000.
Adorning the catalogue cover is a beautiful work by Goan artist Lancelot Riberio. Painted in 1965, the vibrant townscape was inspired by a miniature he had painted earlier and which now houses in a UK museum. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 12,50,000 – 15,50,000.
Lot no. 163 is a brilliant example of Ram Kumar’s abstract landscapes and is offered with an estimate of INR 80,00,000 – 1,20,00,000.
Lot no. 190 is a work by one of the most important women Indian artists B Prabha. The large scale canvas spanning across eight feet showcases a fisherwoman, a theme very close to the artist. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 40,00,000 – 60,00,000.
Lot no. 155 is a work by artist Anjolie Ela Menon and will be offered with an estimate of INR 50,00,000 – 70,00,000.
The auction will also present works by several other women artists, including Shobha Broota, Gogi Saroj Pal, Arpana Caur, Bharti Prajapati, Jayasri Burman, and Naina Dalal.
Lot no. 208 is among several creations by T Vaikuntam offered in the upcoming auction. Executed with acrylic on canvas, it will be offered with an estimate of INR 50,00,000 – 70,00,000.
Highlights from ‘Visionaries’ Contemporary Indian Art Auction
Leading the auction is Bharti Kher’s untitled work, Lot no. 116, which was executed in 2012 in her signature medium bindis, on painted board. Renowned for her use of the ‘bindi’ in her paintings and sculptures, Kher first started using them in 1995, after which it became a leitmotif through which she speaks to the world. Traditionally a symbol of femininity, strength and spirituality, the
bindi has undergone a subliminal transformation through her art. The lot is estimated at INR 80,00,000 – 1,20,00,000.
Lot no. 110, ‘Mountain’ by Anish Kapoor is an impressive sculpture by the British-Indian artist executed using acrylic on fibreboard in 1996. This work is an extraordinary display of Kapoor’s artistic skills and his interest in playing with dimension and perspective. The sculpture features layers of ridges, meticulously put together to create an undulating mountain. This lot is estimated to be sold at INR 60,00,000 – 80,00,000.
‘For A Life Lost Between Bullets And Bombs (Diptych)’ by T V Santhosh, lot no. 16, is a large-scale oil on canvas executed in 2010. Keeping to his signature style, this lot too incorporates elements of photorealism, injected with a hint of lightning, evoking the moment of capturing the image rather than presenting the finished photograph. The lot is estimated at a value of INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000.
Estimated at a value of INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000, lot no. 23 is an oil on canvas work by eminent contemporary artist Nataraj Sharma titled ‘The Stage’. Executed in 2023, the work comes from the artist’s vast oeuvre of works canvases imbued with both wit and introspection which are simultaneously dramatic, contemplative, serene, and defiant.
Lot no. 67 is a remarkable work by Valay Shende titled ‘Boy With Balloons’. Executed in his signature medium of stainless steel discs in 2018, the sculpture represents the artist’s penchant for circular discs as his preferred medium, inspired by his interest in nature and science. He aims to symbolise that all creatures and people are created from the amalgamation of atoms and molecules. This lot is estimated to be sold at INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000.
About AstaGuru
AstaGuru Auction House was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Contemporary & Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions encompassing diverse categories, our portfolio includes art, jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately and vintage cars. In 2018, AstaGuru became the first Indian auction house to present an exclusive edition for vintage and classic cars. “AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles. The online module offers bidders the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their houses or while they are on the go.
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