The path to artistic greatness is paved by different phases of experimentation and evolution that an artist encounters along their journey. The output of these different phases represents the versatility of an artist and their ability to execute works based on different styles and mediums. AstaGuru’s upcoming Modern Indian Art: Collectors Choice Auction will present a range of such works created by eminent modern artists of India. While these artists are known for their individual genres, these rare works put a spotlight on lesser-known phases of their career and also celebrate the experimental temperament of an artist. Such works are without a doubt an integral part of their oeuvre and in so many ways enable us to understand their practice from a holistic perspective.

Biren De Lot No. 22: Biren De is synonymous with his signature style ‘Neo Tantric’ paintings characterised by geometrical pattern and tantric symbols such as concentric rings, crescents and orbs. However, the artist began his career with figurative works and the upcoming Collectors Choice edition presents an early work by the artist. Titled ‘Manjori,’ the oil on canvas work was executed in 1954. The work gives a glimpse of the artist’s academic style art training with a perfect composition of his subject. The intimate nature of the painting is beautifully complemented by a forlorn expression on the woman’s face. The presented work was showcased at the artist's solo exhibition at Dhoomimal Art Gallery, Delhi in 1977. The work is also published in the book ‘Richard Bartholomew : The Art Critic.’

Paramjit Singh Lot No.25: Artist Paramjit Singh is most famous for mystical panoramic landscapes that exude a mastery of illusion with thick coats of blurring colours. Growing up in rural Punjab and his introduction to landscapes by Rabindranath Tagore led the artist to start painting in the genre which eventually developed into his hallmark style of painting. However, during the early years of his career, the artist also dabbled in still life painting. With an eerie mysterious quality, these still life expressed a sense of foreboding while still imparting a surreal aura. Depicting a lonely object amidst a broader imagery, these works were imbued with a metaphysical quality. During this period the artist was exploring a lot of architectural elements and dimensions, he toyed with the centrality of a still object in a space. “The still objects are not dead for me, that's why we call them still life. Because they talk to each other when they are together and they reflect through each other. Here the vase is not a human figure or as alive as a human form, it's giving the same feeling,’ said the artist about the work in a lecture he gave at Lalit Kala Academy, Chandigarh in December, 2011. One of these early works, titled ‘A Vase In The Window,’ will be showcased in the upcoming auction. The painting was executed in 1973.

B Vithal Lot No. 27: A master sculptor, B Vithal created detailed sculptures that showcased his great understanding of the form that his protagonists possessed. However, along with sculptures, B Vithal was also involved in the act of painting. An important figurative work executed in the year 1986, titled ‘Two Women,’ will be showcased in the upcoming auction. The rich texture of the painting with skilled line work shows the easiness and control the artist had accomplished. The work was also a part of his solo exhibition dedicated to his practice as a painter. The exhibition was held at Dhoomimal Art Centre, New Delhi and was also published in the exhibition catalogue.

 

 

 

 

K H Ara Lot No. 10: The foundation of K H Ara’s grand artistic oeuvre rests upon his numerous still life paintings often depicting flowers, fruits, or other still life objects amidst intimate indoor settings. An excellent example of K H Ara landscape practice will be presented during the upcoming auction. The artist explores momentum in the presented lot by depicting three galloping horses in a beautiful meadow. The dominant horse in the centre is seen jumping across a small waterbody. Reminiscent of the wide green pastures of the Indian mountainside, the painting captures the joy and liberation of animals amidst the beauty of nature. The untitled painting was executed in circa 1970.

 

 

M F Husain Lot No.160 : A great proponent of Indian art on the world platform, M F was a multifaceted artist who created a large body of work inspired by diverse themes and subjects that intrigued the artist in him. He often created larger than life grand scale works retelling the mythological fables of Indian epics including Ramayana and Mahabharta. On the other hand he was also deeply fascinated by aspects of science. In one such effort to synthesize his art with science, Husain created a rare set of abstract works. The abstract works were created to pay homage to Sir C.V. Raman by interpreting the ‘Raman Effect.’ Known for his groundbreaking work in the light of field scattering known as ‘the Raman Effect’, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was the first Asian to win the prestigious Nobel Prize in the field of science. These works were a part of Husain’s solo exhibition titled ‘99 years of C.V. Raman.’ Created circa 1987, the works were also published in a landmark book on the artist titled ‘Husain,’ which was published by Tata Steel.

The upcoming auction presents several other examples of rare works including sculptures by revered artists Ram Kumar and Krishen Khanna who are most famous for their paintings. The auction also highlights a unique work by artist K G Subramanyan. This Collectors’ Choice Auction, scheduled on November 20-21, 2021, is a great opportunity to collect works executed by the masters of modern Indian art. All lots will be offered without a reserve. Bidding for all artworks will commence at Rs 20,000. Visit the website to see the catalogue and register to bid in the auction today.