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MF Hussain’s painting ‘Gram Yatra’ sold a new record for South Asian modern art in Christie for Rs 118.7 crore in New York. The 1954 piece depicts post -independence rural life
Hussain adopted Indian history three times in his art: Gupta Kaal, Basholi Kaal and folk art. (News18)
Late MF Hussain’s painting Village travel History has been created, auction is being auctioned for Rs 118.7 crore (about 13.7 million dollars) in the Indian modern art gallery in New York. The auction zodiac is a new record for Christie’s South Asian modern + contemporary art. The auction took place on 19 March. Estimated price for Village travel From $ 2.5 million to $ 3.5 million (Rs 21 to 31 crore), but it is much higher than expectations.
Hussain’s previous best selling painting was Untitleded (rebirth)Was built in 1957, which was sold for Rs 26.75 crore (about $ 3.1 million) in Sothabi auction in London last year.
Earlier, Amrita Shergill was the most expensive painting sold in India. The Story TaylorWhich in September 2023 received Rs 61.8 crore (about $ 7.4 million) in a saffron auction.
Historical importance of ‘Gram Yatra’
Village travel There is a 14-foot long oil-on-canvas painting completed by Hussain in 1954. It depicts rural life independently in post-independence India, depicting 13 different scenes that provide a glimpse in Indian villages. Through this work, Hussain expressed his vision about nation-building after independence.
Tolerates the inscription behind the painting: ’25 .D. Badar Bagh / Balaram Street / Bombay ‘. The painting was previously displayed by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society in Hussain’s hometown.
The Norwegian surgeon was acquired by Lyon Alias Volodarsky, who was then the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) in New Delhi. Volodarski later gifted it to his friend, Professor Christian Christiansen at the Oslo Medical Emergency Unit.
Art experts believe that this sales will greatly affect the Indian art market. Christie’s South Asian modern and contemporary art head Nishad Avari said, “We have created a new benchmark for Maqbool Fida Hussain and the entire category of work.
Turning point in Hussain’s career
MF Hussain, one of India’s most famous and influential artists, is celebrated as a trailblazer in the Indian modern art movement. Popularly known as ‘Picasso of India’, Hussain brought Indian art on a global stage, his paintings were displayed in major galleries and museums worldwide.
Hussain once shared that in 1948, he and Sha Raza attended an exhibition of Indian classical paintings and idols at Viceroy Lodge in New Delhi, which he described as a turn of his career.
Hussain adopted the three periods of Indian history in his art: Gupta Kaal, showing the beauty of the female body; Basholi period, characteristic of the use of strong colors; And folk art, emphasizing simple forms.
Other notable pictures by MF Hussain are included Voices And Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12.
Dispute in later life
In his later years, Hussein faced controversies, especially from right-wing organizations who objected to his depiction of Hindu gods and deities.
Due to these controversies, Hussain left India in 2006 and moved to London and Doha. He died in 2011, but his work continues to inspire and incite his place as one of the most important artists in India.
- Place :
New York, United States (USA)
