The fragments of the past time or history has provided a constant milieu of inspiration for artists throughout generations. With the play of unique styles and mediums, contemporary artists have expressed their reinterpretation and recollection of history in their individualistic artistic idiom. Considering the exhaustive modern history of the Indian subcontinent with a colonial history followed by India’s partition and several wars, contemporary artists from the region have constantly drawn from the history.

One of the most distinguished contemporary artists of India, Atul Dodiya postcolonial art practice intervenes into a range of cultural and political history including those affecting his home city of Mumbai.

In the response to the Bombay riots in 1992, Dodiya turned to the figure of Mahatma Gandhi whose message and teaching about non-violence has continued to be an emblem of peace in the modern world. In fact, his works on Mahatma Gandhi has become one of his most well-known works.

One such work by the artist featuring the father of the nation by the artist is lot no 72 which will be showcased in our upcoming auction. Titled ‘Fallen Leaves- A Stroll # 5,’ the work is a portrait of Gandhi alongside other prominent political figures like Winston Churchill, Britain’s most famous Prime Minister and Nelson Mandela. A part of a series with 8 similar creations by the artist, the work was executed in the year 2006 with oil on dried leaf, powder-coated mild steel, auto body solder & red oxide.

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most inspirational figures in history and has greatly influenced all forms of art. Other works featuring the father of the nation will also be a part of the upcoming auction.

Lot no 36 representing Gandhi is a piece titled ‘Gandhipin’ by artist Debraj Goswami. Executed with acrylic on canvas, the presented lot has the Mahatma standing inside a loose safety pin.

Gandhi is not just limited to a painted surface but has also inspired sculptors alike. One of India’s leading sculptors, Debanjan Roy, famously known for his Gandhi sculptures, has featured Bapu in his works throughout his career. One of such works executed with acrylic on fibreglass, lot no 10, is also a part of the upcoming auction. The work was a part of the artist’s solo exhibition titled ‘Art Now: Raqib Shaw’ held at Tate Britain in 2006.

A painting by Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmed, lot no. 101, features Gandhi in a peaceful demeanour. The artist has executed this work in a departure from his usual technique of rendering his subjects in motion. The career of artist Shahabuddin Ahmed also possesses a strong impression of history owing to the fact that the artist was heavily influenced by Bangladesh's 1971 War for Liberation and was a student activist during his country’s struggle for liberation from Pakistan. Witnessing the horror and carnage during the war left a deep influence on the artist's work.

India’s leading contemporary artist Jitish Kallat has created several works that emanate historical recall references of the socio-political narrative of India and especially the city of Mumbai where he grew up and continues to live. It can be said that Kallat’s works alternate between his views on history, self, city, and the nation. A work by artist lot no 80, titled ‘Aircraft Waiting In Wings,’ will be a part of the upcoming auction. The acrylic on canvas work was executed in the year 1998.

Bringing insight into western history is a work, lot no 115, by artist Raqib Shaw. Titled ‘Henry VIII,’ the extremely eye-catching work is the artist’s reinterpretation of work by Hans Holbein the Younger, considered to be one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. While Shaw has retained the late medieval costumes, he has rendered the body of the figure as a monster.

Raqib’s Shaw personal journey to become an artist was also heavily impacted by an aspect of Indian history. Born in Calcutta in 1974, he spent his formative years in Kashmir but had to eventually relocate with his family to Delhi in 1992 due to the political unrest in the region. He got involved in the family business of selling antiques, carpets, fabrics and so on which eventually took him to London. After encountering the works of Masters at the National Gallery in London he decided to shift his life path and become an artist.

History does not only serve as a mirror of the past but also acts as a guiding force for the future. With embodying the essence of the bygone era through their works, they also reflect on its influences on the collective psyche of humankind.

Come own a stunning piece of contemporary art inspired history with the help of our upcoming Present Future Auction slated for the 10th & 11th of February 2022. Click here to view the catalogue