Journalism of Courage
An art auction, set to take place in Mumbai on February 10-11, 2022 will feature artworks highlighting prevalent art trends with an insight into the future of contemporary art; Atul Dodiya (Source: PR Handout)
The second edition of the ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction by AstaGuru comprises 115 artworks that include paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, as well as some vibrant examples of mixed media art by several leading artists including Bharti Kher, Atul Dodiya, Anju Dodiya, Jitish Kallat, Sudhir Patwardhan, Sudarshan Shetty, L N Tallur, Thukral and Tagra, Raqib Shaw, Shahabuddin Ahmed, and others. Several artworks appearing in the auction will be offered without a reserve, according to the press statement; Thukral and Tagra (Source: PR Handout)
“The market for contemporary Indian art is continuously witnessing growth as the practices by artists in the contemporary sphere is constantly evolving with the use of various unique mediums, textures, and styles. This unprecedented creativity and experimentation have generated immense interest in the collectors who want to acquire visually appealing innovative works that expand the horizon of current artistic practices," noted Ankita Talreja, Contemporary Indian Art - Senior Specialist, AstaGuru, Auction House; Jitish Kallat (Source: PR Handout)
This Anju Dodiya artwork was created in 2010 and is titled ‘Surge.’ This work has been executed with watercolour, charcoal and soft pastels on paper and will be offered with an estimate of Rs 15,00,000 – 20,00,000. (Source: PR Handout)
Anju Dodiya's work from the year 2013, titled ‘A Letter To My Love,’ will be offered with an estimate of Rs 60,00,000 – 80,00,000. (Source: PR Handout)
Titled ‘Henry VIII,’ this artwork is Raqib Shaw's reinterpretation of a 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. Executed in 2006 with acrylic, glitter, enamel, rhinestones and mixed media on paper, the work is estimated to be acquired at Rs 40,00,000 – 60,00,000. The work was a part of the artist’s solo exhibition titled ‘Art Now: Raqib Shaw’ held at Tate Britain in 2006; Raqib Shaw. (Source: PR Handout)
Highlighting the auction are two works by leading contemporary artist Bharti Kher executed in her signature style with the use of ‘Bindi’ for which she is widely renowned. It first started appearing in her work in 1995 and since then, has become a leitmotif, through which she speaks to the world. Traditionally a symbol of femininity, strength and spirituality, the bindi has undergone a subliminal transformation through her art. Lot no. 23, is a large-scale work executed in the year 2015. Estimated to be acquired at Rs 60,00,000 – 80,00,000, the work is also featured on the cover of the auction catalogue; Bharti Kher (Source: PR Handout)
Three works by artist Suryakant Lokhande executed in his signature style of high gloss oil on canvas medium will also be showcased. It is titled ‘On The Way To Revolution; Suryakant Lokhande. (Source: PR Handout)
The auction will also present several sculptures by contemporary artists. This includes a creation by artist L N Tallur which has been executed with industrial paint on bronze. Titled “Graphite Black” (Ed: Unique),” it will be offered with an estimate of Rs 15,00,000 – 20,00,000; L N Tallur. (Source: PR Handout)
This is a large-scale diptych titled ‘Air Show,’ by artist Nataraj Sharma. Created in the year 2004, it is a large-scale oil on canvas work spanning across 12 feet. The first inspiration for the artist’s revisited theme of aerial exploration came after witnessing the Indian Air Force Surya Kiran Team show in his hometown Baroda in 2001. Estimated to be acquired at Rs 30,00,000 – 35,00,000, the oil on canvas creation has been showcased at multiple solo shows including Bose Pacia, New York and 51st Venice Biennale held in the year 2005; Nataraj Sharma. (Source: PR Handout)
Several works by leading woman contemporary artist Anju Dodiya are also featured in the auction catalogue. Titled ‘Cloud Hunter,’ this work has been executed in acrylic on a mattress, which has come to be the artist's recurrent medium. Estimated to be sold at Rs 15,00,000 – 20,00,000, the work has been showcased in several exhibitions; Anju Dodiya. (Source: PR Handout)
Suryakant Lokhande's artwork titled A Knowledge Undimmed By Illusion. (Source: PR Handout)
