DAG’s auction explores several themes around empowerment of women through contemporary artworks by established Indian artists from the 20 century, says Chahak Mittal
It hasn’t been long ago when one of Pablo Picasso’s paintings had set a new world record as it was sold at $179 million (approximately Rs 1,147 crore) in New York. It became the most expensive artwork to have ever sold at an auction. The painting is believed to have comprised the complete size of the Indian art market. Looking at the statistic, it is evident that India holds a very minuscule part of the international art market. And to be statistically accurate, the share is less than 0.5 per cent.
The need, hence, is to broaden the art market in India to help artists get more value and recognition in the global art scene. And an auction is a perfect way to allow the market evaluate an artist’s worth. Or so believes Ashish Anand, MD and CEO of DAG Modern, which holds another fund-raising for 115 years of Charity Gala, for the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust. He tells us that a very few Indian artists are known outside India and even in the country, not many people are aware of the senior and accredited artists. He says, “Introducing these respected masters to buyers is very critical. They are a part of our heritage and culture. They reflect the art traditions in India. And what better than auction houses to preserve their legacy?”
While SaffronArt and Christie’s had already been creating space for more artists to gain prominence and become household names, DAG, he says is also following the auction route to make them visible in the global art sphere. Also, he says, “the demand is increasing for these works by people who are interested in collecting art. So why not?”
The auction, to be held on August 9, puts on display 25 paintings from 20th century contemporary artists.
The first painting at the display, as one takes a walk through the exhibition, is artist P Khemraj’s Asha Hans, priced at Rs 15,00,000 to Rs 20,00,000. The painter uses ink and gold on ivory and through a series of squirrel’s back-like textured lines, he intertwines a range of figures, which are placed with intimate proximity to each other. It is said that the painting showcased human angels rising in unison to reach the numerous golden-headed deities.
Moving further, one of the most striking paintings, is Gogi Saroj Pal’s Aag ka Dariya, priced at Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000. The very first glance at the artwork might teleport one back to the stories of how Lord Krishna was born and how Vasudeva had carried the infant in a basket on his head in order to save him from the wrath of Kansa. However, the only difference here is that a woman carries the basket on her head. The artist here tries to point out that while everyone celebrates Krishna’s birth, no one mourns the death of a girl child who was sacrificed to ensure that Krishna could live. Pal, here, represents the marginalised voice of women while alluding to their strength.
So what is the criteria for selecting the paintings? Ashish says that the artworks by the most established artists and that of high quality are usually chosen. “We also ensure that the works that we have are of different styles and on disparate subjects, which can fall into a comprehensive range. The paintings here range from Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 45,00,000,” says he.
While the Untitled sketch painting by Amrita Sher-gil, with its starting price of Rs 40,00,000 to Rs 60,00,000 stands to be the most expensive of the lot, the least expensive ones are by Krishna Reddy and Pooja Broota, priced at Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 3,00,000 each. Talking about the criteria for the reserve pricing, Ashish explains that the reserve price has to be less than the estimated price. He says, “The reserve pricing is a price where you are willing to sell something. In an auction like this, if a painting is of Rs 10,00,000, so it could potentially sell even for Rs 2,00,000. So literally, it can be sold on any price. And if there is not much competition, the painting could also sell at Rs 2,00,000.”
So what is it that sells a painting, even if it is a mere sketch, for lakhs? As per his observations over the years, he says the reputation of the artist and quality of work are chosen the most. “The people are willing to pay big prices because of the value of the artist’s work. Else, who will pay Rs 45,00,000 for a painting? But since the name under the painting is Amrita Sher-gil’s, the painting will definitely sell. But even such names become huge with time and not just in an instant. So if one finds anything from MF Hussain, even his sketch will have a lot of value. It is because of the rarity and antiquity of their works that they sell,” explains he.
As we proceed further, we come across artist Sunil Das’ Untitled painting, which strikes at one glance due to its various mysterious entities like strong horses, sensuous bulls and shadowy women. The painting highlights a woman in white attire ahead a dark background, whose “eyes could easily transfix the spectator.” It brings one in the presence of such a woman, whose smouldering eyes hold allure, anguish and desolation. One can sense how her body has been consumed by time, her unabashed gaze and a proud demeanour imbues her with a sense of dignity, claiming her space outside the dark and the shadows. The woman in the painting, though, looks invincible.
Even though the painting appears to be highly powerful and represents something that might take one by storm if s/he dwells deeper into its concept, its dark theme wouldn’t make someone want to look at it everyday in their homes. A visitor and art connoisseur, Ravi Bajaj, says, “The writer might have created this masterpiece to surely create something powerful. However, it’s too dark. For an auction, it’s not something that gives a happy vibe. Personal emotions are also important. I like more colour and brightness rather than the dark demons that seem to be hidden here in this mysterious but brilliant artwork.”
To the contrary, however, cartoonist and painter, Gopi Gajwani, who has also been a close friend to Das, says that every painting has a story. “It narrates the framework of the artist through its visual. Sunil was a very good friend of mine and I absolutely adore his work. They have a meaning and try to say something that is imperative to understand. I think this is a very powerful painting,” he adds.
Ashish, upon this, says, “Not every painting is meant for every person. This is not for the one who doesn’t want to look at it everyday. Different paintings are for different people and not all of them can own it. Das’ painting is dark yet beautiful and strong.”
Among other artists displayed are FN Souza, GR Santosh, Shobha Broota, PT Reddy, J Sultan Ali, Jamini Roy, Shanti Dave, Bimal Dasgupta, Madhavi Parekh, Ved Nayar, SH Raza, Sohan Qadri, Natvar Bhavsar, KH Ara, Sakti Burman, Rabin Mondal, Avinash Chandra, P Khemraj and Anupam Sud.
Photo: Pankaj Kumar
