Indian auction house AstaGuru features vivid Indian contemporary art in its upcoming edition


‘Present Future’ will explore multiple narratives of art in the Indian art sphere.

Nataraj Sharma AstaGuru auction

Titled ‘Temple Interior,’ this oil on canvas painting by Nataraj Sharma, offered at INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000, is dramatic, broody, quiescent, and defiant, all at the same time.


February 7, 2023: One of the first auction houses to emerge from India, AstaGuru’s next edition, ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction, will feature Indian contemporary art. The collection comprises 125 bright and brilliant works by leading and famous contemporary artists. The finely curated catalogue features creations by Anish Kapoor, Nataraj Sharma, Bharti Kher, Mithu Sen, Jitish Kallat, and Chittrovanu Mazumdar among others. 

Ankita Talreja, AVP, AstaGuru Auction House, mentions how they are thrilled to present this stunning selection of works by artists who are redefining the narrative of Indian art in present times. “Drawn from their [artists’] private histories and cultural traditions, these experiential works are both personal and universal. They reflect the diversity of the contemporary Indian art sphere not only in terms of subject matter but also styles and techniques employed. Additionally, the unconventional approach to materials by these artists is aesthetically innovative and has resulted in a dynamic artistic landscape of contemporary art in India,” she says.

Subodh Gupta AstaGuru auction

Titled “Pink (Ed: 3),” this creation by Subodh Gupta is a cascade of steel tongs, popularly known as ‘Chimta’ in India. With a hue of vibrant pink, the work emanates a sense of power and joy. It will be offered for INR 1,26,00,000 – 1,68,00,000.


This curated collection ranges from portraits, paintings, sculptures to installations. The selection presents three works in different mediums by Atul Dodiya and five beautiful works by Shahabuddin Ahmed, known for his paintings that symbolize the pain, power, joy, freedom of movement, and indomitable spirit of humans in the face of odds.

Featured on the catalogue cover is artist Raqib Shaw’s work titled “Fall of the Jade Kingdom II - Paradise Lost II”. It belongs to Mr. Shaw’s ambitious Paradise Lost series. Four works by Subodh Gupta, Indian contemporary artist, will also be showcased. 

Raqib Shaw AstaGuru auction

Leading the auction is a fascinating work by artist Raqib Shaw, titled "Fall of the Jade Kingdom II - Paradise Lost II". It was executed in 2014 with oil, acrylic, glitter, enamel and rhinestones on birchwood. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 1,50,00,000 – 2,00,00,000.


The auction is scheduled on February 15-16, 2023.

- By Pritha Debroy

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