AstaGuru showcases evolution of Indian art with two auctions in June second-half

Team L&M

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.”

Stroke & Structure
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. Both the works are also published in the seminal book on artist ‘The Eternal Master – Selected Works 1941-2011’ by The Arts Trust.

An untitled work by MF Hu   sain

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.

Jogen Chowdhury’s ‘See my wounds’

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.
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.

Bandwallas by Kishen Khanna

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.
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.

Visionaries
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.

Sakti Burman’s ‘The Dancers’

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.

An untitled work by Lancelot Ribeiro

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.