In the world of art, a canvas can be the window to an artist's soul, offering a glimpse into their experiences and beliefs. This year, the art market witnessed a fascinating showcase of Indian masterpieces that not only stirred the senses but also commanded jaw-dropping prices at renowned auctions. Let's delve into the world of priceless artistry and explore the stories behind these remarkable works.
Image credit: BBC U.K., VS Gaitonde, Untitled, 1995.
01. VS Gaitonde's 'Untitled', 1995:
The reclusive genius VS Gaitonde left an indelible mark on the art world with his minimalist landscapes influenced by Zen Buddhism. Despite living in relative obscurity until his passing in 2001, Gaitonde's 'Untitled' masterpiece from 1995 took the art world by storm when it sold for a staggering £3.1 million at Christie's India auction in 2015. This abstract creation was one of the final paintings he completed in his small baarsati in Delhi.
'Birth' by Francis Newton Souza, 1955, Image Credit: Indian Art Ideas
02. Francis Newton Souza's 'Birth', 1955:
Hailing from Portuguese-controlled Goa, Francis Newton Souza's rebellious nature and artistic flair were evident from an early age. His work 'Birth' from 1955, a vivid portrayal of a pregnant reclining nude woman and a cityscape, sold for £2.9 million at Christie's in 2015. His art was deeply influenced by his experiences in the Portuguese Catholic colony.
Tyeb Mehta: ‘Kali’, 1989, Image Credit: Vogue
03. Tyeb Mehta's 'Kali', 1989:
Tyeb Mehta, known for his meticulous approach and reflection of childhood recollections of post-independence India's violence, achieved a record-breaking sale price of £2.8 million at Saffron Art's 'Milestone 200th Auction in 2018 with his painting 'Kali.' This artwork depicted the fierce goddess Kali in action, symbolizing his intricate exploration of life's contrasts.
Raja Ravi Varma, Radha By Night, 1890; Photo courtesy of Pundoles
04. Raja Ravi Varma's 'Radha In The Moonlight', 1890:
Raja Ravi Varma's unique fusion of Indian mythological characters with natural settings in a European realist style earned him worldwide acclaim. In 2016, Pundole's auctioned 'Radha In The Moonlight' for £2.6 million. Varma's innovative approach to depicting Radha, one of his "uttama nayikas," drew widespread praise for its beauty and emotion.
Greek Landscape by Akbar Padamsee, 1960; photo courtesy of Christie's
05. Akbar Padamsee's 'Greek Landscape', 1960:
Akbar Padamsee, a pioneer in experimentation with diverse media and a deep appreciation for the science of art, saw his work 'Greek Landscape' sold for an astounding £2 million at Saffron Art's 2016 auction. The imagined cityscape, characterized by varying intensities of gray, showcased Padamsee's revolutionary approach and mastery of space, form, and color.
(Image source: SaffronArt)
06. The StoryTeller' by Amrita Sher-Gil:
Amrita Sher-Gil's masterpiece, 'The StoryTeller,' has taken the art world by storm. This extraordinary piece, characterized by its profound expressiveness, features a gathering of women engrossed in their daily activities. The painting recently made history by fetching a staggering Rs 61.8 crore at the Saffron Art Gallery auction in Delhi. Its portrayal of women immersed in everyday life emphasizes the beauty and significance of these ordinary moments, making it exceptional and record-breaking.
Image source: Pundole's
07. Gestation' by S. H. Raza:
Before 'The StoryTeller' graced the headlines, 'Gestation' by S. H. Raza held the record for the highest sale at an impressive Rs 51.75 crore. Auctioned at Pundole's in Mumbai, 'Gestation' is a mesmerizing blend of flat colors arranged in geometric patterns. At its core lies the striking Bindu, a prominent circle that commands attention and adds depth to the composition. The fusion of geometric shapes and vibrant hues creates a visually captivating experience, making 'Gestation' a prized possession for art collectors and enthusiasts.
Image source: Pundole's
08. Untitled' by VS Gaitonde:
The enigmatic 'Untitled' by VS Gaitonde, an abstract masterpiece from 1969, showcases the artist's innovation in harmonizing light, texture, color, and space. The absence of a specific title invites viewers to interpret the work through their unique perspectives. In a remarkable auction, this iconic artwork sold for an impressive Rs 48.3 crore, affirming its timeless and invaluable place in the art world.
Image Source: MutualArt
09. Bull on Rickshaw' by Tyeb Mehta:
Tyeb Mehta's 'Bull on Rickshaw' is a brilliant celebration of his favorite subjects. This painting depicts a tied-up bull on a rickshaw seemingly spiraling into chaos. Mehta's unique style of combining different images into one artwork is vividly displayed here. The strong lines and vibrant colors unite all elements on the canvas. The artwork sold for a substantial Rs 41.97 crore, underscoring the deep appreciation and value placed on Mehta's art.
Image Source: Pundole's
10. Hunger' by F.N. Souza:
F.N. Souza's 'Hunger' fetched a substantial Rs 34.5 crore and powerfully represents the artist's signature style. Souza was known for delving into the darker aspects of society, and 'Hunger' symbolizes the insatiable desire for material possessions and the consequences of greed. This painting serves as a stark reminder of how the relentless pursuit of more can lead to societal decay.
Image Source: ArtNet
11. Birth' by F.N. Souza:
Another masterpiece by F.N. Souza, 'Birth,' was sold for approximately Rs 31 crore at a New York auction in 2015. This poignant artwork portrays the intense pain and struggle of a pregnant woman during childbirth. It skillfully conveys raw emotions, reflecting Souza's early artistic elements and personal experiences, intertwined with broader societal themes.
Image Source: Chrstie's
12. Saurashtra' by S. H. Raza:
In 1983, S. H. Raza created the pivotal 'Saurashtra.' This artwork, capturing the serene beauty of the coastal landscape in Gujarat, sold for around Rs 27 crore in a 2010 auction. Raza's distinctive shapes and colors symbolize the elements of nature's creation, weaving them seamlessly into a single canvas. 'Saurashtra' stands as a testament to Raza's enduring legacy.
The Indian art community has been abuzz with excitement surrounding the remarkable sales of Amrita Sher-Gil's "The StoryTeller" and S H Raza's "Gestation." These two extraordinary works of art have not only made a profound impact on the art world but have also served as a wellspring of inspiration for art collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The stories and experiences behind these paintings are a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and culture, turning each auction into a celebration of their lasting legacy.
As we continue our exploration of the art world, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the next generation of artists whose creations may one day garner similar admiration and achieve record-breaking prices. These historic sales underscore the growing recognition of Indian art on a global stage. These iconic artworks, as they continue to reshape history, pave the way for new generations of artists to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of creativity. The future of Indian art promises to be as vibrant and groundbreaking as the masterpieces that have come before.
