AstaGuru’s auction showcases Indian modernism at its finest

AstaGuru recently concluded its Modern Indian Art – Main Sale (July 15-16, 2020) generating a total revenue of Rs 51,43,52,066 ($ 7,045,891), with 96% of the lots sold (48 out of 50). The online auction catalogue showcased an opulent facet of Indian modernism through a comprehensive collection of masterpieces and rare works, many of which were entering the auction market for the first time. The online auction witnessed enthusiastic bidding and even achieved auction records for a couple of artists.

The highest price for the online auction was achieved by lot 26, an important Akbar Padamsee artwork titled Landscape from the year 1962, selling at a hammer price of Rs 4,30,33,811 ($ 589,504). This exemplary work belongs to a crucial period in Padamsee’s artistic journey when he made a transition to a more vibrant colour palette after creating a set of grey works in the late 50’s. 

Achieving the second-highest price was lot 25, SH Raza’s artwork titled Jala-Bindu, selling at Rs 4,16,09,969 ($ 569,999). Auctioned for the very first time, this masterpiece of Indian modernism is significant in Raza’s individualistic style and features his beloved motif of the Bindu. Also auctioned for the first time, was FN Souza’s oil on canvas work (lot 23) from 1989 titled Yellow Buildings, selling at Rs 3,93,37,805 ($ 538,874).

Among the other highlights included a world auction record for artist Prabhakar Barwe, with his work titled First Cloud (lot 14), also offered for the first time, fetching a winning bid of Rs 1,19,31,214 ($ 163,440). Furthermore, a national record was achieved by KK Hebbar’s (lot 13) elegant creation titled Gold & Red, which depicts a traditional Indian dance form, selling at Rs 98,43,253 ($ 134, 839).

To view the auction analysis, visit: www.astaguru.com