However, a new era is dawning, and Indian women artists are proving their mettle in the global art market. These extraordinary women have created stunning works that not only challenge artistic boundaries but have also shattered price records. Let’s explore the ten most expensive artworks by Indian women artists ever sold at auctions.
- Amrita Sher-Gil’s “The Story Teller” – Sold for ₹618 million (approximately $8.3 million) in 2023
Amrita Sher-Gil’s “The Story Teller” takes the top spot, both in terms of price and prestige. In 2023, it was auctioned for a remarkable ₹618 million, equivalent to roughly $8.3 million. Her unique blend of Indian and Western influences continues to captivate art connoisseurs worldwide.
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- Bharti Kher’s “The Skin Speaks a Language Not Its Own” – Sold for $4.2 million in 2013
In 2013, Bharti Kher’s “The Skin Speaks a Language Not Its Own” commanded a hefty price of $4.2 million. This iconic work, showcasing her distinctive use of bindis, highlighted her remarkable ability to fuse tradition and modernity.
- Anjolie Ela Menon’s “Yatra” – Sold for ₹10.8 million (approximately $150,000) in 2010
Anjolie Ela Menon’s “Yatra” is a testament to her mastery of portraiture. This piece sold for ₹10.8 million in 2010, approximately $150,000, reaffirming her status as one of India’s premier artists.
- Arpita Singh’s “Wish Dream” – Sold for ₹9.6 million (approximately $130,000) in 2010
Arpita Singh’s “Wish Dream” reflects her unique narrative style. In 2010, it realized a price of ₹9.6 million, or around $130,000. Singh’s ability to tell a story through her art is truly captivating.
- Nasreen Mohamedi’s “Untitled” – Sold for ₹9.6 million (approximately $130,000) in 2013
The geometric abstractionist, Nasreen Mohamedi, garnered immense appreciation with “Untitled,” which was sold for ₹9.6 million in 2013. Her works are characterized by their intricate, minimalist compositions.
While the most expensive works by Indian women artists have certainly commanded substantial prices in recent years, they are still relatively modest when compared to the prices achieved by their global counterparts. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive works by women artists worldwide and see how they compare to the top Indian women artists’ auction prices mentioned earlier.
1. Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1” – Sold for $44.4 million in 2014
Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic flower painting sold for an astounding $44.4 million in 2014. This price greatly surpasses the highest price achieved by any Indian woman artist, indicating a significant gap between Indian and international markets.
2. Yayoi Kusama’s “White No. 28” – Sold for $7.1 million in 2015
The renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s “White No. 28” realized $7.1 million in 2015. This price is much higher than the top works by Indian women artists, showcasing the global appeal and recognition of Kusama’s unique artistic contributions.
3. Louise Bourgeois’ “Spider” – Sold for $32.1 million in 2019
Louise Bourgeois, the French-American artist known for her sculptures and installations, achieved a remarkable $32.1 million for her piece “Spider” in 2019. This price dwarfs the top prices achieved by Indian women artists, highlighting the global recognition of her work.
4. Joan Mitchell’s “Blueberry” – Sold for $16.6 million in 2018
The American abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell’s “Blueberry” was sold for $16.6 million in 2018. Her abstract paintings consistently command high prices at auctions, further illustrating the gap in prices between Indian women artists and their global counterparts.
5. Jenny Saville’s “Shift” – Sold for $12.4 million in 2018
British artist Jenny Saville achieved $12.4 million for her work “Shift” in 2018. Her powerful and contemporary approach to figurative art has contributed to her international acclaim.
In comparison to these global art giants, Indian women artists have some way to go to reach the highest echelons of the art market in terms of prices. While the prices for works by Indian women artists have been steadily rising, they still face some challenges, including the limited exposure of Indian art in international markets and the historically male-dominated art world.
However, it’s essential to recognize that art is not solely about price tags. The unique stories, cultural influences, and artistic visions of Indian women artists make their contributions to the art world invaluable.
