MUMBAI.- AstaGuru will present the next edition of its ‘Next Gen’ Contemporary Art Auction with over 100 works by leading and famous contemporary artists. The finely curated catalogue is led by an awe-inspiring creation by Anish Kapoor, executed in 2012. Lot no. 71 by Kapoor belongs to his vast oeuvre of mirror-like stainless steel discs that manipulate reflections, creating captivating distortions while providing a seamless view. This lot is estimated to sell at INR 5,00,00,000-7,00,00,000.

Works by eminent contemporary Indian artists such as Atul Dodiya, Subodh Gupta, Jitish Kallat, Nataraj Sharma, Valay Shende, Suryakant Lokhande, Ranbir Singh Kaleka, Surendran Nair, Bose Krishnamachari, Jagannath Panda, Baiju Parthan, Jayashree Chakravarty, Sheila Makhijani, G R Iranna and Sudhir Patwardhan will also be on offer. The auction is scheduled for April 8-9, 2024.

Commenting on the upcoming auction, Ankita Talreja, AVP at AstaGuru Auction House says, “This auction will be showcasing a diverse curation of works by both leading and upcoming artists in the contemporary Indian art space. These artists have been instrumental in voicing the passions and concerns of the current time, and reshaping how Indian art is seen today. Influenced by their cultural backgrounds and personal trials and tribulations, each work is a unique depiction of their artistic vision. Not only are these works diverse in subject matter, but also in styles, techniques and palettes. The unconventional and innovative nature of contemporary Indian art has found a growing base of collectors, both new and seasoned, looking to diversify their collections. We are proud to offer collectors a chance to acquire impressive sculptures and paintings from the oeuvres of the next generation of visionary artists. ”

Surendran Nair:
Lot no. 1, an oil on canvas work titled ‘Rainbows In Curved Air – Study For An Installation Elysium (Cuckoonebulopolis)’ by Surendran Nair was executed in 2010. The artist draws inspiration from political caricatures and cinema posters. His work seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary imagery while being rooted in surrealism. This lot is estimated to sell at INR 15,00,000-20,00,000.

Rana Begum:
Rana Begum’s Lot No. 8 titled ‘No. 679 – Fold’, executed with lacquer-coated steel in 2016, is an impressive example of her prowess in minimal abstraction and geometric constructions. She is best known for works that are an enigmatic interplay of light, colour and shapes on surfaces. This is estimated at INR 15,00,000-20,00,000.

Prithpal Singh Ladi:
Lot No. 15 is an untitled creation by Prithpal Singh Ladi. Executed with fibreglass, aluminium, rope, glass, wood, and paint, the sculpture showcases Ladi’s penchant for the unconventional, as he effortlessly transitions between the mundane and the fantastical. The lot will be offered at an estimate of INR 20,00,000-30,00,000.

Shilo Shiv Suleman:
Titled ‘Separation (The Magician)’, Lot No. 16 by Shilo Shiv Suleman is a unique display of magical realism. The acrylic on canvas executed in 2022 showcases Suleman’s fascination with the female form and nature. This lot is estimated at INR 8,00,000-10,00,000.

Atul Dodiya:
Lot No. 29 titled ‘Stammer In The Shade – VIII’ is a sculpture executed with acrylic, marble dust, iron crutches, iron brackets & gold leaf by artist Atul Dodiya. Executed in 2005, the presented lot will be offered at an estimate of INR 20,00,000-30,00,000.

Valay Shende:
Lot No. 36, a sculpture titled ‘Girl With Balloons (ED: 2APS+8)’ by eminent sculptor Valay Shende, is executed using his signature medium - coated & painted stainless steel discs. The presented lot serves as an ode to children often seen selling ephemera, such as balloons in this instance on the road. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 10,00,000-15,00,000.

Sheila Makhijani:
Titled ‘Peachy Peach Leachy Leach’, Lot no. 43 is an acrylic on canvas by Sheila Makhijani, created in the year 2002. The intense display of movement through soft and dark colour tones adds a unique and nuanced take on her intricate geometry. This lot is estimated to sell at INR 15,00,00,000-20,00,000.

Nataraj Sharma:
Lot No. 64 titled, ‘Tailor Ahmed 6th Main 36th Cross’ is an oil on canvas by Nataraj Sharma. His canvases, imbued with both wit and introspection, delve into the ramifications of swiftly evolving urban landscapes. Employing a complex interplay of visual elements— memories, sweeping vistas, technology, intricate imagery, and the natural world—Sharma crafts a distinctive visual dialect that infuses familiar imagery with fresh connotations. This lot is estimated at INR 30,00,000-40,00,000.

Subodh Gupta:
Lot No. 103 titled ‘Black Thing (Ed:1/3)’ is a large-scale sculpture by Subodh Gupta executed using steel structure, plastic and painted stainless steel pincers. The presented lot, created in 2007, showcases Gupta’s artistic vision and preoccupation with monumental works utilising objects seen in daily life. This lot is estimated at a value of INR 60,00,000-80,00,000.

Thukral & Tagra:
Lot No. 118 is an untitled oil on canvas by Thukral & Tagra. The duo’s work is characterised by vibrant imagery and exuberant colours, featuring everyday objects like cameras and alarm clocks alongside people, flora and fauna. This lot will be offered at an estimate of INR 10,00,000-15,00,000.