Works of modern Indian artists to go under hammer in Delhi

Painted in the medium of egg tempera, coloured pigment mixed with egg yolk, contemporary Indian artist A.A. Raiba's "Mother and Child" is one among 76 lots of artwork that will go under the hammer Aug 28 in the capital.

The Delhi Art gallery has collaborated with a philanthropic organisation, Outset India, to hold an auction of the works of modern Indian artists that includes prominent names like S.H. Raza, F.N. Souza, H.A. Gade, K.K. Hebbar, Ram Kumar and Ganesh Pyne, besides the masters Rabindranath Tagore and M.V. Dhurandhar.

The auction, titled "Significant Indian Modern Art", will take place at The Oberoi and ten percent of the proceedings would go to Outset India that provides a platform for contemporary art in India.

According to Ashish Anand, director of Delhi Art Gallery, the low price estimates will be a major incentive for collectors.

"These artworks reflect the richness and diversity of 20th century Indian modern art," Anand told IANS.

"The low price estimates and absence of a buyer's premium will be a major incentive for collectors and art lovers," he added.

Apart from the popular names, works of many other noted Indian artists, who have significantly contributed to the artistic landscape and chronicled socio-political changes in the country, would also be present.

One of these artists is Rameshwar Broota who has used animals - baboons, monkeys, gorillas, apes - to reflect imperfections in the sphere of politics. This thinking comes alive in his work "Untitled"(1977) which is up for grabs.

Estimated between $132,979 to $199,468 (Rs.80,00,000-Rs.1,20,00,000), this oil canvas painting is satirical in nature.

The works of M.V. Dhurandhar, known for his paintings on mythological themes, would also grace the occasion. His miniature painting "Radha and Krishna" (1915) depicts a tender moment between Radha and Krishna.

This piece of work is estimated between $166,223 and $249,335 (Rs.1,00,00,000-Rs.150,00,000).