On English shores

Fine Art Auctioneers Bonhams announce a <g data-gr-id="48">line up</g> for their Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art Sale. The sale comprises 45 exceptional works from an enviable roster of Indian and South Asian modern masters, including SH Raza, Francis Newton Souza, MF Husain, Bhupen Khakhar, Jamini Roy, KG Subramanyan, Krishen Khanna and VS Gaitonde. 

In <g data-gr-id="36">addition</g> the auction will include an impressive selection of contemporary works from celebrated artists such as Nalini Malani, Bhupen Khakhar and Rashid Rana. 

One of the star lots of the <g data-gr-id="37">sale</g> is a series of Vasudeo S Gaitonde drawings. Krishen Khanna’s Untitled, Female figure painted in 1958, in the final years of his banking career, is a rare insight into the early stages of Krishen Khanna’s artistic output. 

Other highlights include a selection of early works by M F Husain. Untitled, Self Portrait was conceived against the backdrop of a <g data-gr-id="45">post partition</g> landscape. The socially fractured environment reignited the question of identity. In this work, a hand in the centre of the torso gestures the peaceful <g data-gr-id="46">kapithaka</g> mudra and Husain himself stands <g data-gr-id="47"><g data-gr-id="43">broad</g> shouldered</g> partially enclosed by a rectangular outline of what may be a mirror. This self-portrait, never before seen at auction, is a serene and personal insight into the artist. 

The oil on canvas piece, Untitled, Horse, in excellent condition, depicts one or possibly two rearing horses. The vibrant yellow horse in the background appears to be a metaphysical <g data-gr-id="39">rearing</g> form, an ephemeral being. Both are magnificent and noble. The horses embody Husain’s own rising ambitions and his determination to achieve them. Theatrical and striking, this work is the quintessential Husain painting.

Another outstanding lot is Rashid Rana’s Offshore — a chromogenic print, <g data-gr-id="49">diasec</g> mounted and comprising of four parts. Offshore Accounts seemingly depicts a sea of opportunity, but upon closer inspection the water is made up of accumulated rubbish. From a distance the image is beautiful, the waves are gentle and serene; the specks of debris and white foam of the <g data-gr-id="44">waves however</g> are formed of piles of light coloured plastic bags. European paintings of voyaging ships interject the seascape, as both a nod to the periods of colonial exploration and acknowledgement of the damaging legacy left behind. 

Tahmina Ghaffar, specialist for Modern and Contemporary South Asian art <g data-gr-id="53">said</g> “We are delighted to be able to put together such a comprehensive South Asian Modern and Contemporary art sale. There is already great interest, not just in the Gaitonde series, but right across the full spectrum of modern and contemporary artists represented at this auction. Bonhams has had two very successful Indian sales this year and we are looking forward to deepening our engagement with the Indian art scene with what is billed to be one of the most exciting auctions to date” The auction will be held at Bonhams London Headquarters on 11th June.