MUMBAI.- AstaGuru Auction House concluded two of their recent auctions ‘Modern Treasures’ and ‘Present Future’ with resounding success. The contemporary art auction titled ‘Present Future’ held on September 22-23, 2022, garnered total sales of INR 14,61,30,835 (USD 1,873,435). This was followed by the highly anticipated Modern Indian Art auction ‘Modern Treasures’, held on September 25-26, 2022, which witnessed competitive bidding for rare works by eminent modernists. The auction generated an impressive sales value of INR 70,34,88,536 (USD 9,019,056).

Sneha Gautam, Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House states, “We are extremely proud of the stellar results that both the auctions have achieved. With these auctions and our carefully curated catalogues we hoped to explore the metamorphosis of Indian art, from the pioneers of modern Indian art to the dynamic contemporary art we see today. The results are proof of the ever growing art market, with seasoned collectors who hope to add rare works to their vast collections and enthusiasts who want to expand their collections with diverse works from the contemporary art sphere.”

Highlights of Present Future - Contemporary Art

Leading the auction were two works by famed British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Lot no. 81, belonging to the artist’s large series of stainless steel discs, was acquired at INR 6,95,58,792 (USD 891,779). His other work, lot no.17, an example of his reflective smaller scale pieces, sold at INR 79,69,500 (USD 102,173).

An impressive work by artist Valay Shende, lot no. 56, was acquired at INR 59,05,953 (USD 75,717). The untitled sculpture is created with his signature medium of circular discs, using the collaboration of atoms and molecules as inspiration.

‘Swimmers Manual’ by artist Nataraj Sharma, lot no. 80, was sold at a total value of INR 41,32,755 (USD 52,984). The stunning mixed media and oil on canvas work is an impressive testament to the artist’s interest in exploring the relationship between human figures and urban landscapes.

Lot no 23, titled ‘Garden Song’ by acclaimed artist Senaka Senanayake sold for INR 25,46,620 (USD 32,648). This vibrant oil on canvas is a perfect example of the artist’s work inspired by the lush landscape of his home country of Sri Lanka.

Highlights of Modern Treasures - Modern Indian Art

A masterpiece by distinguished artist Tyeb Mehta executed in 1973, lot no. 22, emerged as the highest value sale at the Modern Treasures auction at INR 25,29,41,062 (USD 3,242,833). From his famed Diagonal series, the oil on canvas work was created at a time when the artist had become familiar with the motif and its usage, making it central to his ideation process.

Lot no. 13 by M.V. Dhurandhar was sold for INR 4,81,54,249 (USD 617,361). The 100-year-old painting depicts one of the most crucial scenes from the Mahabharata - the Draupadi Vastraharan. This moment, immortalised in vivid colour by Dhurandhar and his expertise in combining western academic realism with traditional Indian ethos, would go on to become the genesis of the epic battle.

‘Paysage Aux Fleurs & Nu (Diptych)’ by Akbar Padamsee, lot no. 18, sold at a value of INR 5,00,94,000 (USD 642,230). The right panel of the diptych depicts a solitary nude woman, a subject that Padamsee was fascinated by throughout his career while the left panel is a beautiful yet desolate landscape that evokes a sense of loneliness.

Lot no. 41, M.F. Husain’s ‘Raj’ was acquired at INR 4,55,40,000 (USD 583,846). The large-scale work belongs to his very first set of British Raj series. The series chronicled the visionary artist’s creative genius, his many reflections and his affinity for portraying the personal and political in his art.

Jogen Chowdhury’s phenomenal large-scale crosshatch work titled ‘Partition 1947’, lot no. 36, was sold for INR 3,53,58,015 (USD 453, 307). The mixed media work is the eminent artist’s commentary on loss, the ongoing violence in the world and human suffering.