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An auction that celebrates the milestone works of modern masters

AstaGuru’s Modern Indian Art Online Auction will feature the works of MF Husain, SH Raza, Bhupen Khakhar, FN Souza and Anjolie Ela Menon

An artwork by Satish Gujral 
An artwork by Satish Gujral 

Between 8-9 September, online auction house AstaGuru will be holding a Modern Indian Art Online Auction showcasing the work of some of India’s best-known masters. The lots featuring M F Husain, S H Raza, Krishen Khanna, Bhupen Khakhar, F N Souza, Anjolie Ela Menon, K K Hebbar, Ganesh Pyne and Jamini Roy, among others, has been sourced from collections both in India and abroad. 

“This catalogue has been painstakingly crafted for the collectors looking to add unique works to their collections,” says Sneha Gautam, Vice President- Client Relations, AstaGuru. “It presents the milestone works of the modern Indian artists.” 

Also read: India's iconic Company Paintings go up for auction in London

These artworks include Untitled, a 1972 M F Husain oil on canvas, originally from the Hyderabad-based Pitti family collection; Raza’s Prakriti, executed in 1997; Anjolie Ela Menon, The Magician’s Story, circa 1995 and an extremely rare painted stoneware ceramic by acclaimed artist Bhupen Khakhar. 

Gautam says that the painted stoneware ceramic work by Bhupen Khakhar, making its auction debut, was created by him in 1994 during a residency at Sundaymorning@ekwc, Netherlands. “The work showcases the versatility of the artist, given the fact that this work goes beyond the two dimensions of a painting and knits a story that can be deciphered in continuity,” she says. Ceramic plates by the artist were sold before at a Saffronart auction in 2016 and by Sotheby's in 2019. Gautam adds that this work was exhibited on numerous occasions, namely at Galerie School (F.I.A.) Amsterdam, 1994. Herwitz Gallery, Amdavad Ni Gufa, Ahmedabad, 1997 & Archer Art Gallery, Ahmedabad, 2003. “The medium and the manner in which the artist handles and accentuates the work’s presence truly makes this a highlight of the auction,” she says. 

An artwork by Bhupen Khakhar
An artwork by Bhupen Khakhar

According to the auction’s release note, modern Indian art has performed exceptionally in the Indian art auction arena in the financial year 2020-21, witnessing an increased demand of over 65% than the previous year. Gautam adds that the Indian art auction market has stood its ground all through 2020 and continues to progress and flourish due to its online presence. “Collectors have become extremely comfortable with the notion of viewing art online and making an informed purchase,” she points out, adding that the value of modern Indian paintings is being recognized. “We are very proud of the collection and look forward to the auction going live,” she says. 

Also read: A darkly funny play about the people who feed us

The online auction will take place on 8-9 September. You can view the entire auction catalogue on AstaGuru’s website, www.astaguru.com. 

 

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