MUMBAI.- AstaGuru’s Modern Indian Art: Collectors Choice Auction concluded last evening and achieved an impressive result. The auction generated a total sales value of INR 28,99,87,021 (USD 4,027,510). With an extensive collection of 160 artworks by celebrated artists spanning the gamut of Indian Modernism, the online auction witnessed an overwhelming response from collectors and art enthusiasts alike. A substantial number of lots witnessed enthused bidding.
Commenting on the results, Sneha Gautam, Vice President - Client Relations, AstaGuru, said, “We are extremely thrilled with the amazing response received for our Collectors Choice online auction. The segment has emerged to be one of the most anticipated auctions in our annual auction calendar, as the ‘No Reserve’ themed auction enables us to showcase works spread across several price points and mediums, created by the stalwarts of Modern Indian Art. These auctions make for a great avenue for seasoned buyers to acquire artworks by eminent modern artists, while at the same time it serves as an ideal entry point for new buyers to begin their journey in collecting art. AstaGuru is committed to presenting artworks of the highest calibre that help shape a vibrant auction market in India, and our upcoming Modern Indian Art: Main Sale in December will showcase some of the most valuable and sought-after works by the moderns.”
The highest selling lot of the sale, lot 156, is by S H Raza and titled Bindu. Executed in 1982, the work is composed in the artist's signature style that has become highly synonymous with modern Indian art. Raza’s works from his Bindu series continue to remain some of the most sought-after works in the modern Indian landscape, with the current lot selling at INR 1,58,33,674.
M F Husain’s exemplary work titled ‘Family,’ lot 148, featured in the auction and achieved an impressive winning bid of INR 1,31,31,146. This remarkable work, acrylic on canvas that achieved the second-highest price in the sale, features a larger-than-life portrait of a family by Husain. What makes this artwork extremely rare, is the fact that the artist has included himself in the composition. Many other works by the legendary artist did exceptionally well at the auction. Lot no. 159 titled ‘Raisa’ realised INR 78,43,586. Lot no 94, another untitled work by Husain was sold for INR 50,51,145. Lot 51, a unique landscape work by the artist, was sold for INR 48,70,250.
The auction also witnessed an impressive bid for a work by artist Manjit Bawa. The artwork, lot 48, was auctioned for INR 66,67,511. Lot no.72, titled ‘The Gardener’ by artist Ganesh Pyne was acquired for INR 64,00,900. A work by revered modernist F N Souza, lot 108, was sold for INR 50,93,237. Titled ‘Growing Unrest,’ the work was executed in 1991.
The auction also featured some unique sculptures by leading artists. A bronze work, lot 21, by artist Somnath Hore was auctioned for INR 38,68,307. Lot 125, a large-scale, unique work titled ‘Ramp,’ by K S Radhakrishnan was sold for INR 29,69,921. Another sculpture by Sadanand Bakre, lot 11, generated a sale value of INR 23,82,069.
