MUMBAI.- Works by eminent Indian modernists including Tyeb Mehta, M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Arpita Singh, and Krishen Khanna went under the hammer on Friday evening at AstaGuru’s Modern Indian Art ‘Collectors Choice’ Auction. The auction generated a total sales value of INR 26,24,64,816 (USD 3,499,447) and the majority of the works were sold above their estimated value.

Speaking on the auction result, Sunny Chandiramani, Vice President - Client Relations, AstaGuru, said, “We are extremely satisfied with the impressive result of the latest Collectors Choice online auction, which remains one of the most anticipated auctions in our annual calendar. The no reserve format enables us to showcase a diverse collection of works across mediums by the stalwarts of Modern Indian Art. These auctions make for a great avenue for seasoned buyers to acquire artworks by eminent modern artists, while at the same time it serves as an ideal entry point for new buyers to begin their journey in collecting art. AstaGuru is committed to presenting artworks of the highest calibre that help shape a vibrant auction market in India.”

A creation by artist Tyeb Mehta fetched the highest selling price and was acquired at a value of INR 2,92,52,927 (USD 390,039). Titled ‘Figure,’ it comes from an early period of the artist’s career. Executed with a heavy impasto technique and a restricted colour palette, the canvas features a lonely, isolated figure. The artist created this work in 1962 while residing in London.

A work titled ‘Counting Flowers: My Benares Saree’ by artist Arpita Singh was sold at INR 1,89,81,479 (USD 253,086). Painted in 1997, it is an archetypal example of the artist’s visual idiom and colour composition.

An untitled work by artist Krishen Khanna was acquired at INR 1,20,09,586 (USD 160,127). The figurative and architectural forms rendered in a limited palette showcase Krishen Khanna’s mastery over the technicalities of painting. This work was created in the year 1982.

Three works by artist M.F. Husain also generated impressive sales value. One of them, titled ‘Shankara’ was acquired at INR 77,03,209 (USD 102,709). Depicting a figure with a serpent, the work was originally in the collection of artist Bal Chhabda, who was a very good friend of M F Husain. Another work by the artist, a diptych from his famed 'Mother Teresa' series sold at INR 55,56,260 (USD 74,083). An untitled artwork, executed with acrylic on canvas was acquired at INR 59,55,167 (USD 79,402).

An artwork part of S.H. Raza’s ‘Bindu’ series was also a part of the auction. Titled ‘Germination Red,’ it was acquired at a value of INR 71,30,534 (USD 95,073). This work appeared in an auction for the first time.

An exquisite creation by Jogen Chowdhury was also showcased and sold at INR 65,50,684 (USD 87,341). The 1990 work is executed with a cross-hatching technique in the medium of watercolour, pen, and colour pencils on paper. It depicts a couple, a recurring theme in the artist’s oeuvre.

A majestic work by Nicholas Roerich appeared in an auction for the first time and was acquired at INR 49,30,254 (USD 65,736). The 1940 work depicting the artist’s muse, the Himalayas, is a testimony of his acquired ability to synthesise and amalgamate the essence of the physical world, in unison with the purity of the spiritual realm.

The auction also presented several aesthetic sculptures by renowned modern artists. A sculpture of Lord Krishna by P.V. Janakiram was acquired at INR 38,68,307(USD 51,576). Three sculptures by Amar Nath Sehgal was sold at INR 31,96,948. Amar Nath Sehgal was a noted modernist sculptor from India who also enjoyed considerable success on international platforms.