We at AstaGuru are gearing up for our upcoming No Reserve auction on the 27th and 28th of June. We have a gamut of works by leading artists such as S.H Raza, M.F Husain, F.N Souza, V.S Gaitonde, Amrita Sher-Gil and Akbar Padamsee and many more. Apart from paintings, the auction catalogue also consists of a varied selection of sculptures. Each artwork occupies a unique place within the catalogue and speaks volumes about the evolution of the individual artists. Here we discuss some of the key lots in our upcoming art sale.
Leading the sale in terms of its high estimate is Lot No 98, acrylic on canvas work titled ‘Germination Blue’ by S.H Raza. Estimated between INR 40 – 60 lakhs the artwork showcases Raza’s mastery over colour composition and his ability to evoke various emotions from the observers. This work focuses on the plasticity of the artwork wherein the artist deftly unearths the various facets of colour by alliterating and saturating its primordial properties. Another important work is Lot No 97, an untitled acrylic on canvas work by M.F Husain estimated between INR 20-25 lakhs. This work has a lot of importance since it belongs to Husain’s Mother Teresa series. This particular series is of incredible importance since it manifested itself from an amalgamation of Husain’s meeting with Mother Teresa and the maternal void he had felt since a young child after having lost his mother. With clearly defined strokes, the work brings out the nurturing sentiment by showcasing a woman embracing her children. He also symbolizes the selflessness of Mother Teresa within the work by juxtaposing her saree in the background.
Any artwork always gets enhanced in value when it has a rich exhibition history, as is the case with our Lot No 95. Acrylic on canvas painting by the modernist Ram Kumar, this work has been published in ‘Art @ The Claridges’ by Crayon Art Gallery, New Delhi. Ram Kumar was fascinated with the city of Benares ever since his first visit there with fellow artist M.F Husain thus giving birth to his iconic Benares series. This particular work, executed with his characteristic lyricism, showcases Ram Kumar’s quest to develop elements that go beyond figurative painting. Another important artist who played a significant role in shaping the history of modern Indian art is Akbar Padamsee. He had a keen interest in representing human faces which can be seen through his detailed study of various heads, prophets, and different couples. Our Lot No 39, a 2003 oil on canvas work by Padamsee is a perfect example of his characteristic style. The work showcases his genius as he portrays a detailed figure with deep-set eyes and a luminescent red backdrop which is reminiscent of his famous metascape compositions. While discussing the subject of heads within Padamsee’s oeuvre another lot worth mentioning is No. 92 which is a bronze sculpture by Padamsee portraying his characteristic distorted head. Padamsee disdained inertia and as a result, constantly evolved with the changing times and experimented with newer and sophisticated mediums and this sculpture brings to the forefront his experimentation with the bronze medium.
When we talk about sculptures and the medium of bronze, one cannot fail to mention the name of Meera Mukherjee. Our Lot No 21, estimated between INR 4 – 6 lakh is a bronze sculpture titled ‘Rooster’. Despite the medium used, it showcases a certain kind of malleability and rhythm to it and also highlights the underlying playfulness of her artistic practice. Meera Mukherjee is known for her works in bronze which is why Lot No 54 occupies a special place since the sculpture is executed in terracotta. Titled ‘Tree’ this work has been estimated between INR 15 – 20 lakhs. The tree with the various branches are a reflection of the human anatomy and include the intermingling of vague human forms. Another factor that makes the work unique is the motif of ‘tree’ employed by the artist to symbolize light and enlightenment.
These are a few important works in AstaGuru’s No Reserve online auction. You can browse through the entire catalogue on our website. Get ready to bid on your favourite artwork by registering with us.
