AstaGuru is poised to reveal a remarkable collection of rare artworks in its upcoming 'Iconic Masters' Auction. This meticulously curated assemblage, featuring 190 distinct lots, takes art enthusiasts on a captivating journey through pivotal epochs of Modern Indian Art. It showcases the creative masterpieces of esteemed artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's artistic narrative. What distinguishes this catalogue is its extraordinary inclusion of not only the iconic, signature pieces crafted by these virtuosos but also a mesmerising selection of artworks that venture beyond their customary themes and mediums. Set to take place on October 27-28, 2023, the ‘Iconic Masters’ Auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire works from the multifaceted body of work of India's legendary modernists.

Here are some highlights from the upcoming auction:

Lot no. 126: Jagrat by S.H. Raza

Executed in the year 2004, the presented lot titled ‘Jagrat,’ stands as a shining example of his S. H. Raza’s exploration of the ‘Bindu,’ a motif that would become an iconic and unifying element in his body of work. S. H. Raza’s interpretation of the Bindu, a term derived from Sanskrit that means ‘dot,’ ‘point,’ or ‘seed,’ transcends its mere visual representation. It delves into the metaphysical and spiritual realms of existence, with the Bindu emerging as a potent symbol representing the source of creation, the core of energy, and life itself. Within this composition, the artist delves into the essence of nature through varied geometric configuration that harmoniously relates to the larger whole. Through this intricate structure, S.H. Raza creates a self-contained universe within the artwork, inviting viewers to decipher its visual language.

Lot no. 190: The Sky Like A Burning Furnace by Jehangir Sabavala

As seen in the presented lot, artist Jehagir Sabavala had an inherent skill for creating masterful cubic compositions, not only with his brushstrokes but also using the interplay of light and shadow. He preferred to use veiled light and middle tones as opposed to executing loud imagery. There is an intricate depth in his landscape works - while the land may seem barren and desolate, his utilisation of texture and depth lends them peace and tranquillity.

Lot no. 98: A Season of Watermelons by Krishen Khanna

In this work, artist Krishen Khanna depicts the onset of summer, which is reflected through the blazing colour composition. Krishen Khanna manages to capture his environment and the people he encounters with great skill, evident here. The reactions of the watermelon vendor’s patrons are captured almost panoramically, and a sense of joy for life permeates through the canvas. The pleasure of dissipating and quenching one’s thirst in India’s scathing heat makes this work extremely intimate and enables viewers of all strata of society to relate to this work. The colour composition adopted by the artist harnesses the truth of the moment he intended to depict.

Lot no. 172: Untitled’ Mehndi’ by M. F. Husain

In the presented lot, Husain employs a more subdued and earthy colour palette, featuring layers of paint, both thick and thin, that intersect with purpose, creating textured lines. This particular style is most commonly associated with his early and mid-career paintings, where hues come to life as they shape and envelop the canvas, their intensity carefully balanced. Titled “Untitled (Mehndi),” this work portrays two female figures seated in a courtyard with trees in the background. The painting derives its name from the central focus of the artwork - the embellished hands of the figures. This title references the tradition of adorning one’s hands and feet with henna

Lot no. 1 Dove Sono I Belli Momenti by Homi Jehangir Bhabha

Homi J. Bhabha’s talents surpassed just his work as a superlative physicist, and ranged from music to painting. Bhabha found inspiration in works by old masters El Greco, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, of which El Greco made the biggest impression. Early on, he was also exposed to rich, classical music including that of Mozart, Bach and Beethoven that would inspire him for years to come.
This is reflected in the presented work titled ‘Dove sono i belli momenti’, executed in 1938, with influences from El Greco’s own works. The fantastical figures are elongated, and are depicted against a dimly lit backdrop of the garden of Versailles. The surreal work is also influenced by Mozart’s famed aria - Marriage of Figaro, reflecting his other passion - music. The composition sees the Countess sadly reminiscing the fond memories that have passed.

About AstaGuru

AstaGuru was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Indian, Contemporary & Modern Art. The word AstaGuru is a thoughtful conjugation of ‘Asta’, of Italian origin, which translates to auction and ‘Guru’, Sanskrit connotation for ‘master’ that indicates our distinguished finesse at being the leaders of auctioneering art and artefacts in India as well as globally. With the world melting into one harmonious digital cosmos, AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectables. Our diverse portfolio includes categories such as Jewellery & Fine Silver, Timepieces, Textiles, Celebrity Memorabilia, Rare Books, Numismatic, Philately and Vintage Cars. AstaGuru’s mobile app enables our esteemed bidders to follow and participate in our auctions seamlessly, and in real-time.

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