AstaGuru unveils modern Indian art’s dynamic legacy with ‘Iconic Masters’

Team L&M

AstaGuru’s upcoming Modern Indian Art Auction titled Iconic Masters will showcase a wide collection of works belonging to the oeuvre of important modernist figures.

From works by esteemed early modernists such as Jamini Roy, and Sailoz Mookherjea, as well as stalwarts of the Progressive Artists’ Group including F N Souza, S H Raza, M F Husain, K H Ara, and others, the catalogue provides a comprehensive insight into the evolution of modern art in India. Additionally, the collection includes works by other eminent artists such as S K Bakre, Ram Kumar, Krishen Khanna, A A Almelkar, Ramgopal Vijayvargiya, B Prabha, Ganesh Haloi, Anjolie Ela Menon, Manu Parekh, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Gurcharan Singh, Jogen Chowdhury, T Vaikuntam, Himmat Shah, and Paresh Maity.

Sunny Chandiramani, Vice President of Client Relations at AstaGuru Auction House, says, “In the Iconic Masters auction, we have meticulously curated a collection that captures the remarkable evolution of Indian art. This auction offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional works from celebrated Indian modernists. The selection with painting, sculptures, drawings, and works in other mediums embodies the vibrant diversity and profound cultural significance of Indian art.”

Following are the highlights from the upcoming auction:

‘Eternal Lovers’ by M F Husain

The presented lot by M F Husain is an oil on canvas work, executed in 1968. This work depicts an intimate portrayal of a couple, drawing inspiration from the mythological union of Shiva and Parvati. Husain’s use of earthy and vibrant tones, along with his distinctive, bold brushstrokes, demonstrates his unique artistic language. This work is estimated to be acquired at INR  2,00,00,000 – 4,00,00,000.

An untitled work by Ram Kumar

This lot is an untitled acrylic on canvas work by Ram Kumar, executed in 2011. It depicts three human figures painted in earthy colours with bold lines and brushstrokes. The landscape in the backdrop adds a natural aesthetic to the painting while keeping the subjects as the main focal point. This work is expected to be sold at INR 1,20,00,000 – 1,60,00,000.

An untitled work by Bikash Bhattacharjee

Bikash Bhattacharjee’s portraits frequently delved into the theme of subverted femininity, depicting women from different walks of life, including prostitutes, middle-class women, and those exuding intense sexual allure. This lot is an untitled oil on canvas work by Bikash Bhattacharjee, executed in a photo-realist style in 1988, it is centred on the lives of sex workers in Bengal. This work is estimated to be sold at INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000.

An untitled work by Sadanand K Bakre

Executed in 1964, this lot is a landscape work by  Sadanand K Bakre. His landscapes speak of his fascination with geometric forms as reflected in this painting. England’s capital, London, marked a shift in Bakre’s artistic perspective and oeuvre. His skill as a sculptor added dynamism to his paintings as depicted in his landscape works featuring architectural forms using a vibrant colour palette. This work is expected to be sold at INR 15,00,000 – 20,00,000.

The auction is from November  7-9