Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) Sets Indian Art Record at ₹118 Crore Sale

Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork Untitled (Gram Yatra) recently sold for ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at Christie’s, breaking previous auction records. This remarkable sale surpasses estimates and signifies a growing appreciation for Indian Modern Art, alongside a notable price increase for Husain’s works. His influence and significance within the Indian art market are further solidified through this landmark transaction.

Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, Untitled (Gram Yatra), has made history by selling for approximately ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction held in New York on March 19. This sale not only exceeded Christie’s initial estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million but also underscored the increasing value of Indian Modern Art. Previously, Husain’s highest sale, Untitled (Reincarnation), sold for ₹26.75 crore ($3.1 million) at Sotheby’s in London in 2022.

Untitled (Gram Yatra), created in 1954, is a nearly 14-foot-long oil on canvas comprised of 13 vignettes highlighting village life after India’s independence. This pivotal artwork offers a unique perspective on nation-building through Husain’s artistic lens and was inscribed with the location details of its creation. It was displayed alongside works by fellow contemporary Krishen Khanna.

Nishad Avari, head of Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, expressed enthusiasm over the record-setting sale, viewing it as a significant milestone that reflects the upward trend in the South Asian art market. Experts anticipate that the implications extend beyond Husain’s works, positively influencing the broader Indian art landscape.

Ashish Anand, CEO of DAG, noted that Husain had been on the verge of breaking price records and that his artwork’s recent sales signify a correction in the art market’s valuation of his work. He emphasized that the substantial sale price reflects a seminal place in modern Indian art and highlights rising confidence in the market overall.

According to Arvind Vijaymohan, founder and CEO of Artery India, Husain has dominated the auction scene since 1987, achieving ₹1,721 crore from 3,285 works, far surpassing the next artist in line, Sayed Haider Raza. Husain’s legacy as a leading modern Indian artist is cemented not only by his unique aesthetic but also by his pioneering role within the Progressive Artists Group.

Husain’s transformative visit to New Delhi in 1948 marked a pivotal shift in his artistic career. In a retrospective interview, he referred to this trip as “the breaking point” of his life, indicating the profound influence it had on his artistic direction. Despite his acclaimed career, Husain faced considerable controversy later in life due to specific depictions of female forms in his art, leading to his self-exile and eventual death in 2011.

Recently, two of Husain’s works were confiscated by police after complaints were filed regarding their content, revealing that even posthumously, his art continues to spark debate. With the recent record sale, Husain’s price surge represents a notable 450% increase, showcasing the continual appraisal of his contributions to Indian art. The competitive bids for Gram Yatra exemplify the growing interest in Husain’s most significant pieces that remain in private collections.

The remarkable success of Untitled (Gram Yatra) reflects the growing esteem for modern Indian art in auction markets, affirming Husain’s enduring impact and relevance as a pioneering figure in this genre.

Maqbool Fida Husain’s historic sale of Untitled (Gram Yatra) for approximately ₹118.7 crore underscores the rising value of Indian Modern Art. This record-setting event illustrates both a renewed interest in Husain’s works and significant confidence in the Indian art market. Experts highlight Husain’s influential role and predict broader impacts on the valuation of Indian art overall. The sale signifies a transformation within the art market, solidifying Husain’s legacy among premier modern Indian artists.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com