The works ranged from those of early modernists like Jamini Roy and Sailoz Mookherjea, to stalwarts of the Progressive Artists’ Group such as F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain, K.H. Ara, and others.
The crown adorning the vast landscape of Indian art belongs to its modern masters. To pay ode to this group and their phenomenal body of work, AstaGuru recently organised its latest auction aptly titled ‘Iconic Masters’, which took place from November 7-9, 2024. It showcased a wide collection of works from the artistic oeuvre of important modernist artists.
The works included ranged from those of esteemed early modernists like Jamini Roy and Sailoz Mookherjea, to stalwarts of the Progressive Artists’ Group such as F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain, K.H. Ara, and others. More contemporary figures were also included in the auction. They were S.K. Bakre, Ram Kumar, Krishen Khanna, A.A. Almelkar, Ramgopal Vijayvargiya, B. Prabha, Ganesh Haloi, Anjolie Ela Menon, Manu Parekh, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Gurcharan Singh, Jogen Chowdhury, T. Vaikuntam, Himmat Shah, Paresh Maity and more. Accompanying the auction was a catalogue which provided a comprehensive insight into the evolution of modern art in India.
Speaking about the event, Vice President of Client Relations at AstaGuru Auction House,
Sunny Chandiramani, says, “In the Iconic Masters auction, we have meticulously curated a collection that captures the remarkable evolution of Indian art. This auction offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional works from celebrated Indian modernists. The selection with painting, sculptures, drawings, and works in other mediums embodies the vibrant diversity and profound cultural significance of Indian art.”
The works which received most attention during the auction included “Eternal Lovers” by M.F. Husain. Chandiramani describes it as, “The presented lot by M.F. Husain is an oil on canvas work, executed in 1968. This work depicts an intimate portrayal of a couple, drawing inspiration from the mythological union of Shiva and Parvati. Husain’s use of earthy and vibrant tones, along with his distinctive, bold brushstrokes, demonstrates his unique artistic language.”
An Untitled work by Ram Kumar also made a splash. “This lot is an untitled acrylic on canvas work by Ram Kumar, executed in 2011. It depicts three human figures painted in earthy colours with bold lines and brushstrokes. The landscape in the backdrop adds a natural aesthetic to the painting while keeping the subjects as the main focal point.”
A painting named “Untitled (Landscape)” by Sakti Burman, painted in 1966 after he relocated and settled in Paris for almost a decade, was another favourite. “This oil on canvas work marks a significant juncture in his life and career. The usage of bright red, blue, and yellow colours with soft pink represents the imprint of France on Burman’s artistic sensibilities,” explains Chandiramani.
Also commanding attention was an Untitled portrait by Bikash Bhattacharjee, which was an example of his work that frequently delved into the theme of subverted femininity. He depicted women from different walks of life, never shying away from shining a light on prostitutes, as well as neglected women from the middle and lower classes who often exuded intense sexual allure. This particular piece was executed in a photo-realist style in 1988 and was focused on the lives of sex workers in Bengal.
Another important work in this auction is an Untitled landscape by Sadanand K Bakre, made in 1964. In the words of Chandiramani, “His landscapes speak of his fascination with geometric forms as reflected in this painting. England’s capital, London, marked a shift in Bakre’s artistic perspective and oeuvre. His skill as a sculptor added dynamism to his paintings as depicted in his landscape works featuring architectural forms using a vibrant colour palette.”
AstaGuru is one of India’s premier online auction houses, displaying a strong commitment to artistic preservation. It was established in 2008, and since then has emerged as a pioneer in the online auction space. It specialises in art, antiques, and collectibles and has also made a name for itself as a curator of experiences and guardian of culture.
Founded by Vickram Sethi, with Tushar Sethi as CEO, AstaGuru has a dedicated team of art specialists in client relations, content, marketing, PR, research, restoration, and logistics. “Our name, ‘AstaGuru’, is a fusion of the Italian word ‘Asta’ for auction merged with ‘Guru’, which symbolizes our unwavering dedication to the art of auctioneering. Each meticulously curated catalogue of ours guarantees authenticity, provenance, rarity, artistry, and craftsmanship, ensuring a distinctive and unparalleled experience. Over the years, AstaGuru has evolved into the preferred destination for original artworks and collectibles, achieving world record prices for revered artists like A. Ramachandran, Jeram Patel, António Xavier Trindade, M F Husain, and more. We joyously celebrate and seek custodians for timeless works that embody defining aesthetic movements in India,” shares Chandiramani.
As an artistic platform, AstaGuru hopes to facilitate discovery of an eclectic array of treasures, which range from modern Indian and contemporary art to exquisite collectibles. “We have always aimed to craft an unparalleled auction experience that transcends traditional boundaries. We also hope to be a dynamic cultural hub, fostering connections and conversations within a global community of collectors, artists, and enthusiasts.”
“AstaGuru envisions a future where it stands as a global beacon, transcending traditional boundaries as an art and collectibles platform. Renowned for trust, innovation, and the celebration of diverse artistic expressions, we aim to redefine the essence of collecting. AstaGuru strives to be a catalyst for shaping the evolving landscape of art appreciation. Being a part of AstaGuru means transcending the mundane. Creativity is not just encouraged, it is celebrated. Our team finds fulfilment in an environment where ideas are not only heard but rewarded. Strong recognition, diversity, and inclusivity define our workplace, creating a vibrant mix of youth and experience. Our culture resonates with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a genuine passion for the arts,” says Chandiramani.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.