AstaGuru Showcases The Evolution of Indian Art With Two Auctions – ‘Stroke And Structure’ and ‘Visionaries’

 

After the outstanding success of the milestone 100th auction and ‘The Exceptionals’ Jewellery, Silver and Timepieces auction, AstaGuru is set to host two consecutive auctions dedicated to Modern & Contemporary Indian art. The Modern Indian Art Auction titled ‘Stroke & Structure’ is scheduled to be held on June 20-21, 2024 and will showcase a wide collection of works belonging to the oeuvre of important modernist figures. The contemporary art auction titled ‘Visionaries’ will be held on June 23-24, 2024 will offer works by leading contemporary artists. 

Talking about the auction, Sunny Chandiramani, Senior VP – Client Relations of AstaGuru says: 

“We are thrilled to curate these two back-to-back auctions, which provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of Indian art from the 20th to the 21st century. The ‘Stroke & Structure’ catalogue highlights the seminal works of modernist pioneers like Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher-Gil, along with the ground breaking Progressive Artists’ Group and other important figures who shaped the narrative of modern Indian art. On the other hand, the ‘Visionaries’ auction will showcase the vibrant dynamism of contemporary Indian art. Featuring works by trailblazers like Anish Kapoor, this auction celebrates the innovative spirit of the new generation, who continually push artistic boundaries. Together, these auctions offer seasoned and emerging collectors alike a chance to enrich their collections with pivotal works that span decades of artistic excellence.”

Highlights from ‘Stroke & Structure’ Modern Indian Art Auction:

Lot no. 4 is a rare sketch from the early years of legendary Amrita- Shergil who remains to be one of the most famous and loved personalities of Modern Indian art. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 10,00,000 – 15,00,000. 

An extremely important work by artist M F Husain, lot no. 81, is being showcased in the auction.

Women inspired M F Husain to create some of his most iconic, as well as emotionally charged paintings. In the presented lot, executed in 1965, one can observe four women, rooted in a sense of universality, deeply engaged, and communicating, not through words or a spoken dialect but through quiet gestures. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 2,50,00,000 – 3,50,00,000. 

M F Husain

Another creation by Husain, lot no. 12 showcases his deep devotion to the theme of Indian mythology in his oeuvre. Executed with acrylic on a wood board, the work showcases the important Ramayana scene of lord Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. Executed sometime during the 1980s, it is offered with an estimate of INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000. 

Both the works are also published in the seminal book on artist ‘The Eternal Master – Selected Works 1941-2011’ by The Arts Trust.

Lot no. 20 is a sculptural rendition to Krishen Khanna’s famous ‘Bandwallah’ series which brings to life the vibrant spirit of Indian street musicians. A brilliant example of the artist’s multifaceted approach to capturing these musicians who are quintessential to the wedding culture in India, this bronze sculpture is offered with an estimate of INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000. 

Lot no. 35 is a work titled ‘Dancers’ by artist Sakti Burman. Burman’s paintings often have a surrealist quality, drawing on a rich tapestry of Hindu and European mythology as well as his own memories. This work is estimated to sell at INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000.

Jogen Chowdhury

Lot no. 75 is an important creation by artist Jogen Chowdhury titled ‘See My Wounds.’ The work is a brilliant example of Chowdhury’s recurrent theme of gruesome wounds and mangled limbs.

Disturbing yet riveting, these images are powerful visual narratives that lastingly sear the imagination of the viewer. Executed in 2018 with ink, pastel, and pen, it is offered with an estimated INR 65,00,000 – 80,00,000.

Lot no. 101 is a large-scale creation by artist Manu Parekh who has consistently revisited the holy city of Benares. Depicting a sunset scene, the majestic creation spans around 17 feet. It is offered with an estimate of INR 40,00,000 – 60,00,000. 

Lot no. 107 is a beautiful creation from the early career of artist Krishen Khanna during which he was inspired by calligraphy and how it conveyed meaning and emotion through the brushstrokes and the interplay of light and dark. Executed in 1965, it is offered with an estimate of INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000. 

Adorning the catalogue cover is a beautiful work by Goan artist Lancelot Riberio. Painted in 1965, the vibrant townscape was inspired by a miniature he had painted earlier and which now houses in a UK museum. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 12,50,000 – 15,50,000. 

Lot no. 163 is a brilliant example of Ram Kumar’s abstract landscapes and is offered with an estimate of INR 80,00,000 – 1,20,00,000.

Lot no. 190 is a work by one of the most important women Indian artists B Prabha. The large scale canvas spanning across eight feet showcases a fisherwoman, a theme very close to the artist. This work is offered with an estimate of INR 40,00,000 – 60,00,000. Lot no. 155 is a work by artist Anjolie Ela Menon and will be offered with an estimate of INR  50,00,000 – 70,00,000.

The auction will also present works by several other women artists, including Shobha Broota, Gogi Saroj Pal, Arpana Caur, Bharti Prajapati, Jayasri Burman, and Naina Dalal. 

Lot no. 208 is among several creations by T Vaikuntam offered in the upcoming auction. Executed with acrylic on canvas, it will be offered with an estimate of INR  50,00,000 – 70,00,000. 

Highlights from ‘Visionaries’ Contemporary Indian Art Auction:

Leading the auction is Bharti Kher’s untitled work, Lot no. 116, which was executed in 2012 in her signature medium bindis, on painted board. Renowned for her use of the ‘bindi’ in her paintings and sculptures, Kher first started using them in 1995, after which it became 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. The lot is estimated at INR 80,00,000 – 1,20,00,000.

Lot no. 110, ‘Mountain’ by Anish Kapoor is an impressive sculpture by the British-Indian artist executed using acrylic on fibreboard in 1996. This work is an extraordinary display of Kapoor’s artistic skills and his interest in playing with dimension and perspective. The sculpture features layers of ridges, meticulously put together to create an undulating mountain. This lot is estimated to be sold at INR 60,00,000 – 80,00,000. 

T V Santosh

‘For A Life Lost Between Bullets And Bombs (Diptych)’ by T V Santhosh, lot no. 16, is a large-scale oil on canvas executed in 2010. Keeping to his signature style, this lot too incorporates elements of photorealism, injected with a hint of lightning, evoking the moment of capturing the image rather than presenting the finished photograph. The lot is estimated at a value of INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000.

Estimated at a value of INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000, lot no. 23 is an oil on canvas work by eminent contemporary artist Nataraj Sharma titled ‘The Stage’. Executed in 2023, the work comes from the artist’s vast oeuvre of works canvases imbued with both wit and introspection which are simultaneously dramatic, contemplative, serene, and defiant.

Lot 67 – Valay Shende – Boy with Balloons

Lot no. 67 is a remarkable work by Valay Shende titled ‘Boy With Balloons’. Executed in his signature medium of stainless steel discs in 2018, the sculpture represents the artist’s penchant for circular discs as his preferred medium, inspired by his interest in nature and science. He aims to symbolise that all creatures and people are created from the amalgamation of atoms and molecules. This lot is estimated to be sold at INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000.

About AstaGuru

AstaGuru Auction House was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Contemporary & Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions encompassing diverse categories, our portfolio includes art,  jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately and vintage cars. In 2018, AstaGuru became the first Indian auction house to present an exclusive  edition for vintage and classic cars. “AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles. The online module offers bidders the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their houses or while they are on the go.

For more information, please log on to https://www.astaguru.com/

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Minor Detail | A group exhibition at AKARA CONTEMPORARY

 

13th June – 20th July, 2024

Curated by Shreemoyee Moitra, this show features works by Saanthiya Bulchandani, Mehak Garg, Shyamli Singbal and Anirban Mishra at Akara Contemporary Gallery.

Minor Detail reflects, highlights, and lingers on these concepts of personal space, inhibition, intimacy, and psychological and emotional aspects of human existence in an interior space that is often missed in our day-to-day lives.

Saanthia Bulchandani, They Lay in Heaps, Pen and Ink on Paper, 43 x 52 inches, 2024

Our successive living spaces never disappear completely; we leave them without leaving them, because they live in turn, invisible and present, in our memories and in our dreams. They journey with us— Michel de Certeau 

Free of an outsider’s gaze, the sense of home or private space has a very significant meaning in human psychology. It frequently connotes the need for belonging, familiarity, comfort, and attachment through personal memories and is also an affirmation of a sense of self, supported by a space. Homes are a spiritual refuge, a bulwark against loss and change, and a deep reflection of one’s inner life. It is a shapeshifter created in fleeting moments, in our own bodies and our own surroundings. Artists have long been fascinated with domestic interiors by looking inward. We often create a home inside our own bodies, redefining what it means to inhabit our own selves within a space.

Home is a space to rest, to feel the pulse of one own’s solitude, to daydream and to take refuge from the constantly moving world. Mumbai-based Saanthia Bulchandani’s intricately done monochrome ink drawings are a study of the constant dialogue between a space and a person. The folds of the quilt, the scattered pillows on the bed, the plant at the corner of the stairway, and the lone woman sitting on the sofa drifted in her thoughts breathes on their own and reaffirm the language of a lived-in place where any inhibition are at rest.

Shyamli Singbal, Mom Eating Kinderjoy, Ink and colour pencil on paper, 5.8 x 8.3 inches, 2023

Goa Born Shyamli Singbal’s idea of home is her loved ones, her people, and the warmth and closeness they share. For her, it’s the people who make her feel at home, not the physical space. Her works are almost like a journal, where she continuously documents and records the raw inhabited details of her people and her surroundings. Often, when she is far away from home and the only way to connect with her loved ones is through the advancement of technology, through video calls, she finds herself keeping a record of it by saving screenshots. She then later painstakingly renders them into frames, evoking a sense of comfort, safe space, and belonging, which is ‘home’ to her. She accomplishes alchemy by freezing and reliving these moments through her nuanced drawings.

The semi-realistic oil paintings and the cluster of miniature canvases are part of Haryana-born Mehak Garg’s autobiographical exploration of her own self and space. With her subdued colour palette, Garg portrays the complexity and dynamism a space and a mind can exchange. Her practice highlights the significance of psychological and emotional aspects of the human being in a domestic space and translates them into thought-provoking and emotionally rich compositions.

Mehak Garg, Untitled, Oil on Paper, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, 2022

The home, even more than a structure, is a psychic space, it bespeaks intimacy. The ornamented rug in the drawing room, the long old corridors leading to the bedroom, the isolated chair by the balcony, the frames on the walls, the aquarium at the corner table are all part of a home that, too, grows old with us and often outgrows us by becoming a museum of memories. Kolkata-based Anirban Mishra’s serene array of watercolour and ink drawings is a vignette of the same. Rooms and planes expose the contradictions between closed spaces and open spaces, often becoming dreamlike landscapes rather than fixed enclosures.

Anirban Mishra, Homealone, Watercolor on Paper, 22 x 28 inches, 2024

ABOUT THE GALLERY

Akara blends the rich traditions of modern art with the innovations of contemporary practice.
Nestled in the art district of Mumbai, Akara operates across two spaces: Akara Modern, one of the leading modern art galleries in India since 2015, and Akara Contemporary, a new platform for the current and next generation of South Asian and international artists.
Across both galleries, Akara centres India and South Asia within the continuum of international art history and brings alternative narratives and realities to the foreground of global discourse.
Through exhibition programming, artist representation, institutional partnerships, art fairs, gallery collaborations, and art advisory, from which it first was established in 2009,
Akara aspires to transcend borders in its many forms, from the artistic to the geographic.

Venue: 3C Amarchand Mansion, 2nd Floor, 16 Madam Cama Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
Gallery Timings: 11:00 am to 6:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Website: www.akaraart.com

Picture copyright to Akara Contemporary.

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TARQ

 

It gives me immense pleasure to invite you to the preview of Overlaps, a show that marks TARQ's Tenth Anniversary, on Thursday, 13th June 2024. Since opening ten years ago, a core value of the gallery has been to appreciate that art is fundamentally for every one of us. It is with this spirit that we present Overlaps, which comes together as an experiment in collaboration, whilst staying true to the values of art being accessible to all. 

The exhibition features seven screen prints, each made by two artists in collaboration with each other. The portfolio includes fourteen out of the seventeen artists we work with regularly at TARQ, and is definitely a one off in terms of how it was made - which was a complete adventure! 

the Inauguration ceremony of the exhibitions Chitrakavyam Ramayanam and Shakti - Fair & Fierce

The National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, Government of India cordially invites you to the inauguration of "Chitrakavyam Ramayanam and Shakti - Fair & Fierce" on Saturday,  8th June 2024 at 5:30 pm. 

We look forward to your gracious presence. 

 

"Capturing Nature's Essence: The Nisargarupam Exhibition"

The "Nisargarupam" Painting Exhibition, featuring watercolor landscapes by artist Santosh Kardak , will be organized from June 4th to June 10th, 2024, at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Worli, Mumbai. While performing the duties of an art teacher, Santosh Kardak will bring the natural beauty of areas like Junnar to life on paper with the help of his brush. All these paintings will be enjoyed by art lovers at the exhibition. 

Artist: Santosh Kardak 

Santosh Kardak is a professional artist with a lifelong passion for painting. He pursued his interest in painting from childhood and continued his artistic journey by obtaining a B.A. and subsequently, he pursued a Diploma, completing two years of ATD alongside. Under the mentorship of  well-known artist Sanjay Sable, Kardak refined his skills in the intricate handling of watercolors. Later, during his tenure as an art teacher in Junnar, he adeptly captured the essence of nature using the challenging medium of watercolor. Kardak's paintings are characterized by his ability to capture the simplicity of everyday subjects on paper in an artistic manner that brings the scene to life.

Upon relocating to the Akole area, Kardak found himself presented with an excellent opportunity for authentic landscape painting. The natural beauty of this region is truly remarkable, inspiring Kardak to create numerous landscape paintings depicting various subjects such as the waterfalls during the monsoons, overflowing paddy fields, and the valleys of Konkan.

In the face of rapidly changing times, nature is becoming increasingly distant from humanity. The relentless pace of urbanization threatens to erode the beauty of rural areas. In such circumstances, the "Nisargarupam" Exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the wonderful beauty of nature through art. It is an exhibition that should not be missed.

From: 4th to 10th June 2024“NISARGRUPAM”

An Exhibition of Paintings in Watercolour

By well-known artist Santosh B. Kardak 

VENUE : Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Discovery of India Building

Worli, Mumbai 400 018, Timing: 11am to 7pm

The exhibition is open to art lovers daily from 11 am to 7 pm.

”JEWEL OF MINES” Mumbai Edition an Art Exhibition of Indian Masters at Jehangir Art Gallery

 Rabi Art Gallery Presents

”JEWEL OF MINES” Mumbai Edition

Rabi Art Gallery, a name that is synonymous with quality and innovation in the Indian art scene, is all set to captivate art audiences in Mumbai and beyond with a remarkable art showcase at the Jehangir Art Gallery from 28th May to 3rd June, 2024. This exhibition, which brings together a diverse range of rare artworks by Indian masters ranging from pre-independence to contemporary, presents a great opportunity for collectors and audiences to witness the diversity and complexity of Indian art under one roof.

Prokash Karmakar, Acrylic on canvas

Modern Indian art remains the proverbial jewel in the crown for art collectors, with a consistent demand for works by masters. However, finding rare and authentic works has always been a challenge. This exhibition is one such platform that has been curated by Sumanta Paul, the Honorary Advisor of Rabi Art Gallery, showcasing only genuine artworks that he has been meticulously collecting over the past 30 years.

Ramkinkar Baij, Mother & Child, Bronze Sculpture.

In honor of his late father and well-known artist Rabi Paul, Sumanta Paul founded the Rabi Art Gallery in Shantiniketan in 1996. Rabi Paul was a disciple of Ramkinkar Baij and Nandalal Bose. He also worked closely with Satyajit Ray. As a visionary and advocate of Indian art, Sumanta planned multiple art shows around the county.  Over the years, Sumanta worked closely with several artists and continued to personally collect their works, building a sizable collection of authentic, rare and remarkable artworks.

Bikash Bhattacharjee, Pastel on paper

This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at two centuries of Indian art practices, encompassing significant trends, artistic interventions, media, and techniques. One can witness the watercolour, tempera, and gouache techniques of the Bengal School incorporated by artists like Ramkinkar Baij, Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganedranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Binode Behari Mukherjee, Chittaprosad Bhattacharya, Somnath Hore, Ganesh Pyne, Rabin Mondal, Jamini Roy, and Rabi Paul to the new media and expressions of modern masters and contemporaries like Rabin Mondal, Rabi Paul, Paritosh Sen Nirode Majumdar, Sunil Das, Prokash Karmakar, Lalu Prasad Shaw, and K. Laxma Goud to veterans like Jogen Chowdhury, Samir Aich, Subrata Gangopadhyay, Sunil Padwal, T. Vaikuntam, T.V. Santosh, Ganesh Haloi, Bijon Chowdhury, Sudhir Khastogir, Haren Das.

India's rich tapestry of spirituality, culture, and tradition has indeed been a wellspring of inspiration

Artist: Jamini Roy

for artists throughout history. This exhibition encapsulates the complex artistic practices of Indian art, taking the viewers on a historical tour through the brilliant colours, and gripping narratives and interpretation in diverse mediums.

-Shraddha Purnaye 

From: 28th May to 3rd June 2024

An Art Exhibition of Indian Masters

VENUE:

Jehangir Art Gallery

Auditorium Hall 161-B. M.G. Road,

Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001, Timing: 11am to 7pm

All image copyright by Rabi Art Gallery

Contemporary wind - group show of paintings at Raja Ravi Varma art gallery

 The various artists participating in this art exhibition include:

Alka C Singh, Arpita Vyas, Poulami Jagtap, Jiban Krishna Thakur, Resshama Valliappan, Onjali M Prasada, Priti Anand, Kranti Desai, Rishi Baksi, Zahra Ansari, Brinda Nilesh, Kavita Tambolkar, Nilanjana Roy, Sulochana Gawde, Ena Saini, Gitanjali Sengupta,  Kshipra Pitre, Shagun Lathi, Saikat Baksi.

Contemporary wind - group show of paintings at Raja Ravi Varma art gallery

Contemporary Wind, an exhibition organized by Romartika Art Decoded, showcasing paintings by nineteen emerging artists is taking place at the Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery in Pune from the 14th to the 19th of May 2024. The show is inaugurated by distinguished artists Prakash Ambegaonkar and Zen Vartan. Saikat Baksi, an author and art enthusiast known for the popular podcast about socio-political and psychological aspects of art, "Art Beyond Canvas," curated the exhibition.

Every artist in the exhibition presents a unique style and content. Aprit Vyas's Pop-inspired artworks surprise the viewers with their vibrant color palette. Onjali M Prasada's unique portrayal of women's faces conveys deep sorrow and wild joy simultaneously. Preeti Anand and Alka C Singh's abstract landscapes transport viewers into a mysterious world of mystic charm. Kranti Desai’s depiction of the eastern theological worldviews on canvas is highly engaging. Landscapes by Nilanjana Roy, Gitanjali Sengupta and Ena Saini offer impressionistic charm. Sulochana Gawde's lifelike depiction of ancient sculptures breathe life into the painted rocks. Jiban Krishna’s pen and ink works are mysteriously thought provoking. Brinda Nilesh’s infusion of tribal style into mythical backdrop pulsates with innocent vitality. Resshma Valliappan’s abstracts are testimony to the whirlwind of passion in the human mind. Indian classical and modern distortion merge in perfect rhythm on Kavita Tambolkar’s canvas. Saikat Baksi's surrealistic paintings lead the viewers on a mysterious quest to uncover the truths of life. Shagun Lathi’s naturalistic paintings are engaging in a nostalgic way. Zahra Ansari and Rishi Baksi’s paintings are leading indicators of art in the world of tomorrow. Harmony of forms and color dance on the canvases of Poulami Jagtap.

Eminent artists, Sharad Tarde and Suchita Tarde will engage in deep analysis with the artists about their artworks. It is an unmissable visual treat for art lovers.

From: 14th to 19th May 2024, Romartika Art Decoded presents

“Contemporary Wind” A Group show of paintings by 19 emerging artists

 VENUE:  Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery

Ghole Road, Shivajinagar,

Pune, Maharashtra 411005

Timing: 11am to 7pm

Solo show of Paintings by Renowned artist Ramesh Deshmane in Gallerie Free Press House

Harmony of emotional facial Expressions        

Artist: Ramesh Deshmane 

Ramesh Deshmane had his art education at Govt. School of Art, Aurangabad followed by an advanced course at Sir J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai. He presented his work based on various themes in several leading art galleries at Pune, Aurangabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Nagpur, Amravati, Nashik etc., and received good public response for his art presentations in solo and group art exhibitions. A proud recipient of many appreciations and awards from renowned art promotional institutions of national and international reputations, he has also actively participated in several art workshops at Mumbai.

 His works are in proud collection of many reputed art collectors and art promotional institutions of global reputations in India and abroad,the prominent amongst them being Rallis India, Mumbai, WMI Power Plants Mumbai, Centaur Hotel, Mumbai, Hotel Rama International, Aurangabad, NABARD Bank, Indian Oil Corporation, Mumbai, Mr. Vijay Darda, Mr. Dinesh Vazirani – Saffron Art Gallery, Mumbai and many more. His works are also in proud collection of many art collectors in Italy Paris, U.S.A., Germany, Hongkongetc.  Ramesh Deshmane has been conducting Online drawing and painting classes for last 2 years by exploring and experimenting with newer techniques using his emotional intelligence and supervision as well as proper motivations. He conducts drawing and painting classes and guides student for elementary and intermediate grade drawing examinations. He also organises art exhibitions of his students by proper guidance and motivation to them to present their work before the clients/ collectors. He has been awarded by World Genius Records, Nigeria for his immense and incredible contribution to the field of drawing and painting. Apart from other noteworthy awards in this field, he has been duly honoured by the reputed World Genius Records, Nigeria which is truly a feather in his cap. He has been working as an Art Teacher in Shree Sanatan Dharma Vidyalaya & Junior College, Chembur, Mumbai for the last 26 years. 

Recent Painting Ramesh Deshmane

The present work illustrates his drawings and paintings made in mix media, Charcoal on card paper, colour pencils on art paper, dry soft pastels on card paper, water colour on art paper etc.  He has worked on a variety of themes using these vivid mediums in an expressive style. His works on Lord Ganesha in Charcoal, Soft Pastels, Colour Pencils etc., illustrate sanctity of religious fervour and its relevance for worshipping Lord Ganesha for seeking His blessing in the traditional cult of the worship before commencement of any work. His series on human relations revealing emotional attachment between a man and a woman inapt environments showcase the complexity of such relations in different circumstances. He has illustrated the sanctity of harmony of emotional relations amongst human beings in different environments and their relevance and sanctify for the well being and welfare of society. He has shown various emotions like joy, excitement, encouragement, anxiety, affinity, affection, pangs of separation etc., in sensitive human minds and the justification for their harmony for the betterment of their coexistence in society through close human bonds of affection and their harmonious hues in apt circumstances. The colourful expressions on their faces have a textural base and they thereby reflect an unmistakeable aura of the richness of self expressions. It is a skilful depiction of chairo-scuro expression by Joy-de viver. It represents a variety of masks worn by people in the society for various reasons. All works are unique and reveal the genuine artistic talent and creativity in the artist Ramesh Deshmane as well as his command over the mediums and skilful techniques used for the artistic and aesthetic adornment of his thematic works with the relevant hues on a sentimental plane.

 From: 15th to 30th May 2024

“Harmony of emotional facial expressions” Solo show of Paintings by Renowned artist Ramesh Deshmane

VENUE:Gallerie Free Press House

Free Press Journal Marg,

215 Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021

Timing: 10am to 6pm /

Contact: +91 9029485109 / +91 9421540518

 

Prabhakar Barwe: Patterns, Symbols, Objects | Akara Modern

 

About The Exhibition

Artist: Prabhakar Barwe
Exhibition Dates: 9th May – 1st June, 2024

Not long after graduating from the JJ School of art in 1959, Prabhakar Barwe took a designer’s job at the Weavers’ Service Centre, an organisation founded by Pupul Jayakar in Madras in the 1950s with the aim of bringing contemporary sensibilities to traditional crafts. By the 1960s, WSC had branches in a number of major cities, and Barwe was initially posted to Varanasi. The city’s traditions of faith deeply influenced his artistic practice even as he set about drawing patterns for local artisans to copy on fabric. The earliest painting in the present exhibition is a watercolour from Barwe’s ‘Tantric’ period. It employs some geometric patterns akin to his work as a designer, but overlays these with symbolic figuration. Specifically, it represents the ‘World Turtle’ or Vishnu’s Kurma avatar, and a bright sun against a background of mauve bands.

Untitled (Studio), Watercolor, Ink, Pastel and Pencil on Paper, 15 x 20.6 inches, 1991

The artist gained a transfer to the Bombay outpost of the Weavers’ Service Centre and the bulk of the drawings and watercolours in the show are designs created in his adopted hometown in the 1970s. The fact that we have such well-preserved examples of his professional practice is a sign that he and his admirers considered the pieces to have significance beyond the immediately utilitarian. Finally, we have three paintings created in the 1990s, not long before his untimely death in 1995. Two of these are characteristic of the style that has come to be recognized as inimitably his own. Created in mellow shades, the paintings gesture towards landscapes within which are placed objects out of proportion to their natural scale, evoking uncanny, dreamlike associations in viewers. These are paintings of an artist who has absorbed the lessons of abstraction, surrealism, Indian miniature painting traditions and of European masters like Paul Klee without being beholden to any of them.

The last painting is a relatively realistic depiction of an artist’s studio and of a building in which the studio is presumably housed. The modesty of the arrangement creates a mood of contentment, suggesting this is all an artist needs to be happy. Barwe himself adhered to a philosophy of simple living, one from which the art world has moved a great distance in the years since his death, heightening the sense of nostalgia contained in the painting.

About The Gallery

Akara blends the rich traditions of modern art with the innovations of contemporary practice. Nestled in the art district of Mumbai, Akara operates across two spaces: Akara Modern, one of the leading modern art galleries in India since 2015, and Akara Contemporary, a new platform for the current and next generation of South Asian and international artists. Across both galleries, Akara centres India and South Asia within the continuum of international art history and brings alternative narratives and realities to the foreground of global discourse. Through exhibition programming, artist representation, institutional partnerships, art fairs, gallery collaborations, and art advisory, from which it first was established in 2009, Akara aspires to transcend borders in its many forms, from the artistic to the geographic.

About the Artist

Prabhakar Barwe was born in Nagaon, Maharashtra, and graduated from the Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, in 1959. During his stay in Varanasi, the holy city of India, between 1961 and 1965, he came into contact with the canon of Tantra (mysticism) that markedly influenced his work. Known as a symbolist and an abstractionist, Barwe’s multitudinous influences can be traced through the steady evolution of his works. His poetic sensibility combined with his representations of ordinary objects echoed the emotional and mystical associations he wanted to render into his works. The empty space and the use of dedicated minimalistic designs set apart Barwe’s works from his contemporaries. As a painter, he won an award instituted by the Japanese newspaper Yoshihari Shimbun. In 1976, he won an award at the annual exhibition of the Lalit Kala Akademi and in 1969, he was awarded the Yomiuri Shimbun Award from Japan. Barwe had his works exhibited in several shows including one at Wisconsin, U.S., in 1963; Indian Painters, Zurich, 1970; Grey Art Gallery, New York in 1975; International Biennale, Menton, France, 1976; Modern Indian Painting, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington in 1983 and more. Towards the end of his life, he wrote a book in Marathi called Kora Canvas (Blank Canvas), documenting his feelings, expressions, struggles, and satisfaction as an artist

AKARA MODERN
4/5 Churchill Chambers, 1st Floor
32 Mereweather Road
Colaba, Mumbai 400001

CONTACT
: +91 72084 88979
: modern@akaraart.com

TIMINGS
11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday – Saturday
Closed on Public Holidays

Art Blogazine 2024

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PIN POSTER- ART & SOUL Gallery - Mumbai

 

Art & Soul presents "Conversing Social Tools," a multi-media exhibit by artist and professor Rajendra Patil/PARA that delves into the intersection of Art and Archaeology. 

The conversations outline a symbiotic relationship shaped by a series of minimalist objective abstracts and raw sculptural forms, timeless and reflective of heritage retelling.  

"Conversing Social Tools" by Rajendra Patil previews on Wednesday, 8th May, 5:30 pm onwards, along with a panel discussion on "Interoception in Abstract Art" with eminent artist Dilip Ranade, artist and researcher Nitin Kulkarni, and Para, uncovering the age of Abstracts.  

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AstaGuru’s 100th auction sees 9 Modern Indian artists set world records

For its milestone 100th auction, AstaGuru showcased an exquisite array of rare works from different periods of modern art. From works by esteemed early modernists such as Jamini Roy, J P Gangooly, Amrita Sher-Gil, Sailoz Mookherjea, and N S Bendre, as well as stalwarts of the Progressive Artists’ Group including F N Souza, S H Raza, M F Husain, K H Ara, and others, the auction showcased works from several revered artists who shaped the narrative of Modern art in India in 20th. The auction was held on April 27-28, 2024. 

Siddanth Shetty, Chief Administrative Officer, AstaGuru Auction House, states that “We are thrilled to have reached this pivotal juncture in AstaGuru’s journey. The milestone auction is an important celebration and reflection on how over the years, AstaGuru has been at the forefront of fostering dialogue, appreciation, and acquisition of exceptional artworks. As it continues to evolve and innovate, AstaGuru reaffirms its position as a leading platform for collectors to acquire rare treasures from the oeuvre of Modern Indian Art. We hope to continue with our contribution in shaping the future trajectory of the art market within India and globally. Moreover, the landmark auction is a testament to the fact how works by Indian modernists are consistently sought after by collectors.”

The auction concluded with exceptional results and also created nine records. Here are some highlights of the world records created.

A work by British artist Benjamin Hudson was acquired by 71. 9 lakhs. The large scale painting is Hudson’s portrait of Rajah Pratap Chandra Sinha who belonged to the Sinha family of Paikpara.

A beautiful oil on canvas creation by artist J P Gangooly, was sold for 2.6 crores. A luminary of academic realism in Calcutta, artist Jamini Prakash Gangooly was a master painter known for his profoundly beautiful landscapes. Renowned for his exquisite portrayal of light and shade, Gangooly’s penchant for capturing the transient beauty of twilight hours set him apart. 

A work by one of India’s Navratna artists Sailoz Mookerjea, also created a world record after being acquired for 1.2 cores. An early pioneer of modern painting, Sailoz Mookherje though his thematic focus remained rooted in rural Indian life and landscapes. 

K K Hebbar

A beautiful painting depicting Krisha as a herdsman by K K Hebbar was acquired for a handsome value of 2.9 crores. Hebbar was first inspired by his father, who sculpted clay idols of Ganesha for festivities. His early introduction to traditional Indian painting and religious iconography folk art is evident in the presented lot, with his exploration of the iconic imagery of Krishna with his flute.

A work by artist A A Almelkar, lot no. 21,  was acquired for 37 lakhs. Almelkar’s artistic lineage was steeped in the rich tradition of stylized “Indian” paintings, characterised by intricate detailing and influences from the miniature art tradition.

A record was also created for a painting, from the ‘Pastoral’ series by artist Anjolie Ela Menon. The series is inspired by the studio she works out of in Nizammudin and the sights surrounding it. Her observations and reinterpretations of the scenes she sees translate into iconic imagery that is now synonymous with Menon. This work was acquired for 1.3 crores. 

A Neo-Tantric theme work by Biren De also achieved a world record after being sold for over 1 crore. Biren De’s ultimate goal throughout this exploration of consciousness was to arouse the psyche of not just himself but the viewers.

Another world record was achieved for a large scale creation, from Manu Parekh’s famous benares series which was sold for 2.3 crores.  This series of paintings that first began nearly 30 years ago are an expressionist take on Banaras. The artist concerns himself with energies and urges his viewers to observe the world through the lens of emotions present in his paintings.

A record was also made for artist Gurcharan Singh with his large-scale creation being sold for 37.6 lakhs. Singh’s work explores the intricate relationships between diverse elements that shape our world. Significantly, his paintings consistently feature a recurring theme of juxtaposing animals with prostitutes, serving as symbolic representations that unveil the primal nature inherent in humanity. 

The 100th auction also showcased works by several other artists, including Nicholas Roerich, Manjit Bawa, Akbar Padamsee, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Sakti Burman, Bhupen Khakhar, J Swaminathan, Ram Kumar, William Daniell, Paresh Maity, G R Santosh, B prabha, Ganesh Haloi, Satish Gujral, Bal Chhabda, Ganesh Pyne, K H Ara, and Rameshwar Broota amongst others. Please visit the AstaGuru to view the entire auction result.

Anjolie Ela Menon

About AstaGuru

AstaGuru Auction House was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Contemporary & Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions encompassing diverse categories, our portfolio includes art, jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately and vintage cars. In 2018, AstaGuru became the first Indian auction house to present an exclusive

edition for vintage and classic cars. “AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles. The online module offers bidders the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their houses or while they are on the go.

For more information, please log on to https://www.astaguru.com/

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