AstaGurus Next Gen auction shines spotlight on rising stars of Indian art With over 100 works by artists, the auction features a diverse range of styles and price points, making it accessible to both established collectors and new buyers ByAK Ghose|6 Apr 2024 10:30 AM IST In the universe of Indian art, the blitzkrieg of modern masters blinds and stuns, and leaves the connoisseurs in speechless awe. But alongside, the spotlight fails to extend its halo on contemporary masters, who are the haloed masters of tomorrow; in fact, some of them are revered already. Last month’s big-ticket auctions of Indian art—in Mumbai and New York—again pushed full wattage spotlight on modern masters, by the end of which the names Raza, Souza, Husain, Khakhar, Sher-Gil, and their compatriots were almost like invisible yet conspicuous guests at your dining table, hogging all the conversation. Also Read - New WIPO treaty is a big win for biodiversity rich countries ADVERTISEMENT In this scenario, AstaGuru’s Next Gen Contemporary Art Auction, featuring more than 100 works by leading contemporary artists of the country, comes as a much-needed reprieve. To be held online on April 8-9 at www.astaguru.com, the auction is headlined by Anish Kapoor’s Untitled stainless steel and resin creation, that appears like a futuristic disc, which is estimated at Rs 5 crore – Rs 7 crore ($617,284 - $ 864,198). Also Read - Global trade growth tipped to go up by over two-fold this year Kapoor’s is the only lot in the auction that is estimated over the crore mark. While there are a few other lots that bear a high price, a bulk of works on offer are at price points that are comparatively affordable, targeted at young and new buyers. The next most expensive lot on offer is a 2007 sculpture by Subodh Gupta, Black Thing (Ed: 1-3), which is a stainless steel structure, also comprising plastic, and painted stainless steel pincers. It is estimated at Rs 60 lakh – Rs 80 lakh ($74,074 - $98,765). Also Read - Why can some plastics be recycled but others cant? A captivating oil on canvas by Nataraj Sharma, Tailor Ahmed 6th Main 36 Cross, which catches two tailors deeply engrossed in work in a tin-shed shop wedged between multi-storey houses on either side, is the next most expensive work on offer.