Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, “Untitled (Gram Yatra),” sold for a record $13.7 million at a Christie’s auction, surpassing pre-sale estimates and highlighting the rising value of Indian Modern Art. This sale marks a significant moment, with implications for the entire sector as experts suggest broader impacts on the Indian art market and recognition of Husain’s legacy.
A significant milestone in Indian art has been marked with Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, “Untitled (Gram Yatra),” selling for a record-breaking $13.7 million (approximately ₹118.7 crore) at a Christie’s auction in New York on March 19. This price far exceeded Christie’s initial estimate, which ranged from $2.5 million to $3.5 million, thus highlighting the enduring value of Indian Modern Art.
Previously, Husain’s highest auction price was for “Untitled (Reincarnation)” from 1957, which sold for ₹26.75 crore (around $3.1 million) in London. Until now, the highest price for Indian art at auction was achieved by Amrita Sher-Gil’s “The Story Teller,” which fetched ₹61.8 crore ($7.4 million) in September 2023. Husain’s latest work represents a considerable leap in the valuation of Indian art.
“Untitled (Gram Yatra)” spans nearly 14 feet and features thirteen vignettes reflecting village life amid the newly independent India and the struggles following Partition. This piece, completed in 1954, showcases Husain’s artistic interpretation of nation-building. It was initially exhibited alongside works by his contemporary Krishen Khanna in his hometown, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.
Nishad Avari, head of Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, expressed enthusiasm regarding the sale. He remarked, “We are thrilled to have been a part of setting a new benchmark value for the work of Maqbool Fida Husain… This is a landmark moment and continues the extraordinary upward trajectory of the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art market.”
Experts anticipate that this sale will positively affect other Husain works and Indian art in general. Ashish Anand, CEO of DAG, noted that Husain’s prices had lagged behind those of his contemporaries and indicated that the recent record will help correct this discrepancy. He emphasized that the sale signifies rising confidence in the Indian art market.
According to Arvind Vijaymohan, founder of Artery India, Husain has historically been a leading figure in the auction scene, achieving total sales of ₹1,721 crore from 3,285 artworks sold since 1987. This exceptional figure surpasses that of SH Raza, his nearest competitor.
Husain’s artistic legacy includes his affiliation with the Progressive Artists Group and influences from various periods of Indian history, which he amalgamated in his works. His defining moment occurred during a pivotal visit to a classical Indian art exhibition in New Delhi in 1948, where he solidified his artistic vision.
The late artist faced considerable controversies during his lifetime, especially concerning his depiction of female forms that attracted criticism from conservative groups. This prompted him to seek self-imposed exile until his passing in 2011. Recently, some of his paintings were confiscated by authorities in contentious circumstances surrounding religious sentiments.
The recent auction result exhibits a striking 450% increase in Husain’s price record. Anand noted the competitive bidding for “Gram Yatra,” which reflects the painting’s significance in Husain’s oeuvre. Manoj Mansukhani, CMO of AstaGuru Auction House, recognized the sale as a testament to the confidence in Indian modern art and the lasting relevance of Husain’s vision of India.
The record sale of Maqbool Fida Husain’s “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” at ₹118.7 crore marks a transformative moment in the Indian art market. This event not only elevates Husain’s status among contemporary artists but also injects renewed confidence into the broader Indian art market. With expectations of increased interest in Husain’s works and a retroactive value boost for Indian art, it is evident that this landmark sale signals a promising future for Indian Modern Art.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
