AstaGuru's upcoming 'Dimensions Defined' Auction will feature a meticulously curated catalogue of Modern Indian Art, presenting significant works by iconic Indian modernists. Each piece in the auction reflects the diverse and ever-changing artistic landscape in India over the past decades. The curation offers an eclectic selection of works by eminent artists, including Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, F. N. Souza, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Jogen Chowdhury, G.R. Santosh, J. Swaminathan, K. Laxma Goud, Thota Vaikuntam, K. K. Hebbar, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Sakti Burman, Akbar Padamsee, B. Vithal, H. A. Gade, Satish Gujral and Manu Parekh amongst others. The auction is scheduled for February 22-23, 2024.

Presented below are highlights from the upcoming auction:

Lot no. 28: Landscape by Akbar Padamsee

The presented oil on canvas landscape from the year 1963 represents an important phase in his artistic journey. One can observe a distinct colour composition tendency, which follows suit through the following years. However, the structuring of the work from this period is indeed poetic in nature, as opposed to the lyrical premise of his metascapes.

Lot no. 70: Untitled by J Swaminathan

Through the presented lot, Jagdish Swaminathan incorporates a dimension of reality within the realm of his invented abstract world. He seems to be extending his artistic psyche and uses the human form to connect and explore the intertwined relationship between the real and ethereal. The fact that the presented oil on canvas creation depicts a figurative form makes it extremely rare.

Lot no. 83: Untitled by V S Gaitonde

Vasudeo S Gaitonde did not appreciate being branded as an abstract painter. A philosopher, he was influenced by the Zen school of Buddhism and translated his acquired wisdom effortlessly. Gaitonde’s intended selfless generosity of knowledge through his art transmutes within the viewer and that is what makes his work so significant and relevant. The presented lot is a fine example of his oeuvre, executed in watercolour on paper in 1963.

Lot no. 104: Untitled by K H Ara

The presented lot by revered Indian modernist K H Ara stands as a remarkable departure from his renowned works in nudes and still life. A testament to the artist’s versatility, this rare work is an oil on canvas creation from circa 1940s and showcases a distinct departure from Ara’s preferred styles. The stunning work was executed with thick impasto swaths in shades of brown, yellow, and ochre, inviting the viewers into a captivating visual realm.

Lot no. 115: Untitled (Triptych) by M F Husain

The greatness of Maqbool Fida Husain surpasses the idea of time and generations, continuing to be single- handedly credited for putting modern Indian art on the world platform. Although his works were influenced by Western art movements like Cubism and Expressionism, they were also unrelentingly anchored to his roots. The presented lot was executed in 1987 using copper.

Lot no. 140: Untitled by S H Raza

Executed by S H Raza in 1977, this acrylic on canvas landscape is a fine example of the artist’s preoccupation with utilising colours as symbols. While his early landscapes, executed during the 1950s, depicted several figurative elements, as time progressed, they appeared less and were substituted by expressionism. These vibrant bursts of colour were further enhanced by the palette and brushstrokes, referring to the environment and the sentiments the artist wanted to express.

Lot no. 178: Untitled (Bal Gopal) by T Vaikuntam

Thota Vaikuntam’s inspiration for painting can be traced back to his village. Deities, as well as the men and women of his village are often the central characters of his work. Unlike most of his contemporaries, Thota Vaikuntam uses only primary colours. Executed in acrylic on canvas in 2015, the presented lot features the iconic imagery of Bal Gopal in the artist’s signature style.

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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