AstaGuru’s ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction, scheduled on September 22-23, 2022, explores the metamorphosis of Indian Art and gives an insight into the future of contemporary Indian art. The eclectic selection of 81 artworks includes paintings, sculptures, installations, as well as some vibrant examples of mixed media art by several leading artists, including Anish Kapoor, Thukral & Tagra, Surendran Nair, Raqib Shaw, Debanjan Roy, Nataraj Sharma, T.V. Santhosh, Chittrovanu Mazumdar, Jagannath Panda, Dhananjay Singh and Suryakant Lokhande among others. Here are some highlights from the upcoming auction.

Lot no. 7: Plastic Poeticizing by Suryakant Lokhande

Employing a blended visual vocabulary that includes elements of pop art and photographic references, artist Suryakant Lokhande ponders on the absurdity of the material world where life is perceived from a superficial vantage point and not a purposeful search for one's true self. Owing to its pop-neon colour compositions, his canvases emanate a sense of vibrancy and give a message about the present times. They become a ground for his enticing and coquettish protagonists, often women, to do away with all inhibition and stand unrestrained.

Lot no. 25: ‘Hand to Mouth: 15 Degrees of Separation’ Elysium by Surendran Nair

This work by Surendran Nair is part of his Cuckoonebulopolis series that he began in 2000. The series takes its name from the perfect utopian world between heaven and earth that was imagined by Greek playwright Aristophanes in his satire titled ‘Birds.’ The premise of the play rests on a man convincing a bird to construct a new city in the cloud called the Cloud Cuckoo Land. The oil on canvas, executed in 2011, will be offered at an estimate of INR 15,00,000-20,00,000.

Lot no. 38: ‘Dear Dad Knows Best’ by Raqib Shaw

This work by artist Raqib Shaw was executed in 2009 in his signature style that includes application of various mediums such as acrylic, glitter, enamel, and rhinestones, the work is presented in the frame which was also customised by the artist. The piece will be offered at an estimate of INR 20,00,000-30,00,000.

Lot no. 46: ‘Science, Mystery & Magic II (Superman)’ by Thukral & Tagra

Thukral & Tagra visuals have evolved over the years to become rooted in the socio-political aspects of Indian culture. They explore the changing aspirations of the middle class and the repercussion of a materially consumed contemporary India. With humorous and playful compositions, the artists have also expressed their concerns on the essence of an Indian identity. This particular oil on canvas painting, spanning 7 feet, will be offered at an estimate of INR 15,00,000-20,00,000.

Lot no. 80: Swimmers Manual by Nataraj Sharma

Nataraj Sharma’s stunning work titled Swimmers Manual is an oil on canvas work executed in 2018, spanning 9 feet. Nataraj’s art practice offers incisive commentary about the complex relationship between humans, landscapes, and urbanisation. Executed with a unique visual code that adds new connotations to already familiar imagery, these large-scale works are dramatic, broody, quiescent, and defiant, all at the same time. The work has previously been part of the artist’s solo exhibition titled ‘Swimmer’s Manual and Other Stories’ at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai organised by Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi, 8th April - 11th May, 2018. It also features on the cover of this auction’s catalogue. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 30,00,000-35,00,000.

Lot no. 81: ‘Untitled’ by Anish Kapoor

Leading the contemporary lineup is an exceptional work belonging to the artist’s notable series of reflective stainless steel discs he has been creating since the 1990s. Pieces from this series attempt to create both a seamless and distorted view of what they reflect depending on their finishes. This piece spans over 5 feet in diameter and was created in 2011. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 5,50,00,000-7,50,00,000.

Please visit our website to view the entire catalogue for the ‘Present Future’ Auction