Maqbool Fida Husain’s Artwork Sets New Indian Record at ₹118.7 Crore Auction
Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for a record ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at Christie’s auction, surpassing estimates. This significant sale enhances the status of Indian Modern Art and reflects increasing confidence in the art market. Experts believe the sale will positively affect the valuation of Husain’s and other Indian artworks in future auctions.
The auction of Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, Untitled (Gram Yatra), achieved a record sale of approximately ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction, held on March 19 in New York. This remarkable sale surpassed Christie’s estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million, updating the landscape of Indian Modern Art significantly. Previously, Husain’s highest auction sale had been ₹26.75 crore for Untitled (Reincarnation) in 2022.
Untitled (Gram Yatra) is a nearly 14-foot-long oil on canvas depicting village life with 13 scenes reflective of India post-Independence and during the Partition era. Created in 1954, this notable work embodies the artist’s vision of nation-building and was first showcased in his hometown alongside fellow artist Krishen Khanna.
Nishad Avari, head of Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, remarked, “We are thrilled to have been a part of setting a new benchmark value for the work of Maqbool Fida Husain and the entire category.” Industry experts believe the record sale will boost the entire Indian art market while impacting Husain’s future artwork values.
Ashish Anand, CEO and MD of DAG, commented on the unexpected nature of the ₹118.6 crore sale, emphasizing its significance as it marked a correction among Husain’s peers in the art market. The rising confidence in Indian art was reflected as many artists saw their prices exceed estimations at recent auctions.
According to recent findings from Artery India, Husain has historically topped the charts in total auction turnover, achieving ₹1,721 crore from 3,285 works sold since 1987. This amount surpasses other contemporary artists, reiterating Husain’s enduring influence on modern Indian art.
Husain, a member of the Progressive Artists Group, is acclaimed for transforming ancient Indian visual culture into modern expressions. His pivotal experience in New Delhi in 1948 inspired him to explore three significant periods in Indian history, facilitating his unique artistic evolution.
Nevertheless, in his later years, Husain faced significant backlash due to interpretations of his work deemed offensive by certain groups, prompting his self-exile in 2006. Tragically, he passed away in 2011.
The recent auction of Maqbool Fida Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) has not only set a new record for Indian art, but also revitalized interest in the market for Modern Indian Art. While Husain’s impact on this field continues to resonate, the sale signifies a pivotal moment that may influence pricing dynamics of his and other contemporary artists’ work moving forward. This event underlines the growing confidence in the Indian art scene, further establishing Husain’s legacy as a major figure in the genre.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
