The upcoming Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art Auction, scheduled for the 24th of October, promises to be an exhilarating journey through the world of art. With an array of remarkable pieces on display, we’ve handpicked the top 10 works that art enthusiasts should keep an eye out for. Let’s dive into this captivating preview.
- Kattingeri Krishna Hebbar – ‘Untitled (The Flow)’
Description:
Artist: Kattingeri Krishna Hebbar (1911 – 1996)
Title: Untitled (The Flow)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature and Date: Signed and dated ‘Hebbar / 73’ lower right
Dimensions: 102.5 x 107.2 cm. (40 ⅜ x 42 ⅛ in.)
Year: Painted in 1973
Provenance: Property from a Private Collection, United Kingdom
Kattingeri Krishna Hebbar, a celebrated artist, brings to life ‘Untitled (The Flow)’ with vivid strokes of oil on canvas. This masterpiece invites viewers into a world where art and emotions blend harmoniously. The artist’s unique perspective and style are sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Francis Newton Souza – ‘Untitled (Landscape)’
- Description:
Artist: Francis Newton Souza (1924 – 2002)
Title: Untitled (Landscape)
Medium: Oil, pastel, and polyvinyl acetate on canvas
Signature and Date: Signed and dated ‘Souza 63’ upper left
Dimensions: 63.4 x 100 cm. (25 x 39 ⅜ in.)
Year: Painted in 1963
Francis Newton Souza, known for his bold and distinctive style, presents ‘Untitled (Landscape)’ with a fusion of oil, pastel, and polyvinyl acetate on canvas. The artwork is a testament to Souza’s artistic prowess, capturing the essence of a landscape in his inimitable way.
Bhupen Khakhar – ‘People at Mosque’
Description:
- Artist: Bhupen Khakhar (1934 – 2003)
- Title: People at Mosque
- Medium: Oil on board
- Signature: Signed in Gujarati lower right
- Inscriptions: Titled and inscribed on reverse
- Dimensions: 121.9 x 91.3 cm. (48 x 35 ⅞ in.)
- Year: Painted circa 1967
- Provenance: Property from a Private International Collector
Bhupen Khakhar’s ‘People at Mosque’ is a stunning piece that invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of life and faith. With its vibrant colors and emotive storytelling, this artwork is a testament to Khakhar’s artistic brilliance.
Ram Kumar – ‘Untitled (Trio)’
Description:
- Artist: Ram Kumar (1924 – 2018)
- Title: Untitled (Trio)
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Signature: Signed in Devanagari upper right
- Dimensions: 81.8 x 50.8 cm. (32 ¼ x 20 in.)
- Year: Painted circa 1950s
- Provenance: Property of a Private East-Coast Collector
Ram Kumar’s ‘Untitled (Trio)’ is a masterclass in capturing the essence of a moment. This artwork beckons viewers to explore the nuances of its abstract beauty, inviting contemplation.
Manjit Bawa – ‘Untitled (Shiva)’
Description:
- Artist: Manjit Bawa (1941 – 2008)
- Title: Untitled (Shiva)
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Signature: Signed and dated ‘Manjit Bawa 95’ and further signed in Devanagari and Gurmukhī on reverse
- Dimensions: 175.2 x 157.4 cm. (69 x 62 in.)
- Year: Painted in 1995
- Provenance: Property from a Private Collection, Dubai
Manjit Bawa’s ‘Untitled (Shiva)’ is a visual journey into the realm of spirituality and mythology. The artwork’s vibrant colors and intricate details make it a must-see.
Maqbool Fida Husain – ‘Untitled (Horse)’
Description:
- Artist: Maqbool Fida Husain (1913 – 2011)
- Title: Untitled (Horse)
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Signature: Signed in Devanagari and Urdu lower right
- Dimensions: 73.5 x 55.7 cm. (28 ⅞ x 21 ⅞ in.)
- Provenance: Property from a Private Collection, Singapore
Maqbool Fida Husain’s ‘Untitled (Horse)’ is a captivating portrayal of power and grace. The artwork’s bold strokes and symbolism are a testament to the artist’s unique style.
Krishen Khanna – ‘Untitled (Girl Holding Mirror)’
Description:
- Artist: Krishen Khanna (b. 1925)
- Title: Untitled (Girl Holding Mirror)
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Signature: Signed and indistinctly dated ‘KKhanna / 58’ lower right
- Dimensions: 87.3 x 66.2 cm. (34 ¼ x 26 in.)
- Year: Painted in 1958
Krishen Khanna’s ‘Untitled (Girl Holding Mirror)’ is a mesmerizing exploration of self-reflection and identity. The artwork’s elegance and symbolism make it a standout piece.
Walter Langhammer – ‘Untitled (Bullock Cart)’
Description:
- Artist: Walter Langhammer (1905 – 1977)
- Title: Untitled (Bullock Cart)
- Medium: Oil on board
- Signature: Signed ‘W Langhammer’ lower left
- Provenance: Bearing Chemould Gallery label on reverse
- Dimensions: 38.3 x 40.6 cm. (15 ⅛ x 16 in.)
Walter Langhammer’s ‘Untitled (Bullock Cart)’ is a rustic masterpiece that transports viewers to a bygone era. The artwork’s attention to detail and simplicity make it a gem.
Maqbool Fida Husain – ‘Untitled (The Musician)’
Description:
- Artist: Maqbool Fida Husain (1913 – 2011)
- Title: Untitled (The Musician)
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Inscription: Inscribed ‘MF HUSAIN THE MUSICIAN’ on the stretcher
- Dimensions: 66 x 91.5 cm. (26 x 36 in.)
- Provenance: Property from the Estate of Dr. Frank E. Harris
Maqbool Fida Husain’s ‘Untitled (The Musician)’ is a melodic masterpiece that celebrates the world of music. The artwork’s rhythm and color palette are sure to strike a chord with viewers.
Sayed Haider Raza – ‘Crepuscule’
Description:
- Artist: Sayed Haider Raza (1922 – 2016)
- Title: Crepuscule
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Signature and Date: Signed and dated ‘RAZA ’59’ lower right and further signed, dated, titled and inscribed on reverse
- Stamp: Further stamped ’20F’ and inscribed ‘709’ on stretcher
- Dimensions: 73.3 x 60.2 cm. (28 ¾ x 23 ⅝ in.)
- Year: Painted in 1959
- Provenance: Property from a Private Collection, Dubai
Sayed Haider Raza’s ‘Crepuscule’ is a symphony of colors and forms, inviting viewers to experience the magic of twilight. The artwork’s depth and symbolism are a testament to Raza’s artistic genius.
Jagdish Swaminathan – ‘Untitled’
Description:
- Artist: Jagdish Swaminathan (1928 – 1994)
- Title: Untitled
- Medium: Oil and mixed media on canvas
- Signature and Date: Signed and dated in Devanagari on reverse
- Dimensions: 115.8 x 115.6 cm. (45 ⅝ x 45 ½ in.)
- Year: Painted in 1980
- Provenance: Property from the Dartington Hall Trust
Jagdish Swaminathan’s ‘Untitled’ is a vibrant exploration of the natural world.
These mesmerizing pieces are just a glimpse of what the upcoming auction has to offer. With works from renowned artists and a diverse range of styles and mediums, Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art Auction is set to be an unmissable event for art aficionados. Stay tuned and mark your calendars for an artful experience like no other!
Credits – https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/modern-and-contemporary-south-asian-art-2
