MUMBAI.- AstaGuru concluded its ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction last evening achieving an impressive total sales value of INR 12,13,03,661 (US$ 1,684,711). The auction featured an extensive showcase of works by some of the most distinguished contemporary Indian artists such as Bharti Kher, Atul Dodiya, Anju Dodiya, Jitish Kallat, Sudhir Patwardhan, Sudarshan Shetty, L N Tallur, Thukral & Tagra, Raqib Shaw along with several rising stars of the contemporary art world. In total the auction presented one of the largest collections of contemporary art in India with 115 works by 83 artists going under the hammer.

Commenting on the success of the auction, Ankita Talreja, Contemporary Indian Art - Senior Specialist, AstaGuru, Auction House, said, “We are extremely proud with the outcome of our ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction. While there continues to be a steady demand for modern Indian art in the auction market, it is extremely important to AstaGuru to present the robust offering of contemporary Indian art in the auction arena. The auction included the largest selection of contemporary artworks by some of the most celebrated names in India. Many of these artists have achieved great acclaim for their practice and have exhibited their works at esteemed galleries, museums, and institutions across the globe. The results of this contemporary auction only demonstrate the demand for such auctions among serious as well as budding collectors. And we look forward to showcase many more such enthralling collections of contemporary art in the coming times.”

Leading the auction were two works by artist Bharti Kher. Both works are executed in her signature style with the use of ‘Bindi’ for which she is widely renowned. Bindi as a motif first started appearing in her work in 1995 and since then, has become a recurrent theme, through which she speaks to the world.

An untitled work, lot no 23, which also appeared on the cover of the auction catalogue was acquired at INR 1,00,01,267. Lot no 103 titled ‘A Letter To My Love’ was also acquired at the similar value of INR 1,00,01,267.




Lot no 115, ‘Henry VIII’ by Raqib Shaw was acquired at INR 88,74,458. It is the artist’s reinterpretation of a masterpiece by Hans Holbein the Younger, who is considered to be one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. The work was executed in the year 2006 in his signature style that includes application of various mediums such as acrylic, glitter, enamel, rhinestones among others. The work was a part of the artist’s solo exhibition titled ‘Art Now: Raqib Shaw’ held at Tate Britain, London in 2006.

Three works by Anju Dodiya were also offered for bidding. Lot no 14, ‘Cloud Hunter,’ is executed in acrylic on a mattress, which has come to be the artist's preferred medium. Showcased in several exhibitions previously, it was acquired for INR 39,44,204 at the auction. Another important large-scale creation by the artist, lot no 100 titled ‘Surge,’ was acquired for INR 30,25,383.

A large-scale diptych work titled ‘Air Show,’ by artist Nataraj Sharma also generated an impressive sale value. Created in the year 2004, the oil on canvas work spans across 10 feet. The first inspiration for the artist’s revisited theme of aerial exploration came after witnessing the Indian Air Force Surya Kiran Team show in his hometown Baroda in 2001. The canvas dotted with imagery of para gliders, planes, helicopters, as well as sorties of jet planes across the sky makes it extremely attractive and pulsating. It was acquired at INR 37,57,050.

Lot no 80, a work by senior artist Jitish Kallat was acquired at INR 32,53,968. Titled ‘Aircraft Waiting In Wings,’ the acrylic on canvas work was executed in the year 1998. A multimedia artist, his practice spans across disciplines such as painting, photography, collages, sculpture, and installation occupy equal importance in his oeuvre.

The auction also presented a sculpture by L N Tallur. Titled ‘“?(Graphite Black)” (Ed : Unique),’ the work is executed with industrial paint on bronze. It was acquired for an amount of INR 25,25,572.

Another large-scale diptych by dynamic contemporary artist duo Thukral & Tagra titled ‘Phantom II (Diptych)’ was acquired for INR 25,04,700. Executed with oil & acrylic on canvas, this creation stands out for its sheer size spanning 12 feet.