Detail of Lot 156
The
painting outlines major components in raised wire much like some
popular sculptures by Alexander Calder, but it also adds a large black
sculptural element to the middle. The lot has a modest estimate
of $5,000 to $7,000. It sold for $35,000.
The catalogue includes a
quotation from Ranjit Hoskote's 2013 book on the artist that "Mohan
Samant, among the earliest of the post-Independence modern Indian
artists to train in India and settle as a mature artist in the West,
has been called one of the few artistis who has successfully made the
bridge between Eastern and Western traditions."
The catalogue entry states that this work was a tribute to his wife,
Jillian, and "combines a multitude of processing to include drawing,
painting, cut-outs and wiring, giving it a captivating
three-dimensional quality." The entry also notes that the artist
was cited by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most important in the
world in 1963.
Lot 155, "Untitled (Naga Panchani)," by Mohan Samant, acrylic and watercolor on paper, 73 1/4 by 35 inches, 1997
Another
dazzling painting by Samant is Lot 155, "Untitled (Naga Panchani)," an
acrylic and watercolor on paper that measures 73 1/4 by 35
inches. It was created in 1997. It has an estimate of
$4,000 to $7,000. It sold for $18,500.
Detail of Lot 155
It has an very modest estimate of $4,000 to $6,000. It sold for $18,750.
Lot 159, "Starry Night after V.G.," by Bharti Kher, bindis on mirror, 53 1/2 inches square, 2011
Lot 159
is a very fine homage to Vincent Van Gogh by Bharti Kher (b.
1969). It is entitled "Starry Night after V.G., and was created
in 2011 with bindis on mirror, which is cracked in many places to add
to the work's shimmering effects. It measures 53 1/2 inches square and
was acquired in 2011 from Hauser & Wirth. The catalogue entry
notes that bindi "is derived from bindu, the Sanskrit word for a dot or
a point, sometimes considered the creative seed or womb of the universe
in India," adding that "it is traditionally a mark of pigment applied
to the forehead associated with the Hindu symbol of the third
eye."
"Bharti Kher's appropriation of the bindi has promoted it to the status
of an icon, an instantly recognizable of and for the artist.
Through this process, Kher's bindi has become a further symbol of the
power of transformation, and be found not only in her flatworks but
also on the surfaces of her epic and dreamlike sculptures, murals and
installations."
The lot has an estimate of $70,000 to $90,000. It sold for $106,250.
Ishrat
Kanga, deputy director and specialist of Modern & Contemporary
South Asian Art at Christie's, discussing Lot 118, "Untitled (Four
Women)," by Maqbool Fida Husain, oil on canvas, 60 by 59 1/2 inches,
1971, at press preview
Lot 118
is a oil on canvas by Maqbool Fida Husain (1913-2011) that is "Untitled
(Four Women) and measures 60 by 59 1/2 inches. It was created in
1971. Ishrat Kanga, deputy director of Christie's Modern &
Contemporary South Asian Art, told the press preview that the work is
related to Pablo Picasso's famous "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." It has
an estimate of $400,000 to $600,000. It sold for $936,500.
Lot 134, "Untitled (Lady and the Tiger)," acrylic on canvas, 50 by 73 inches
A
bolder and more colorful painting by Husain is Lot 134, ("Untited, Lady
and the Tiger"), An acrylic on canvas, it measures 50 by 73
inches. It has an estimate of $180,000 to $220,000. It sold for $212,500.
Lot 117, "Shiva Parvati," by Maqbool Fida Husain, oil on canvas, 38 by 63 1/8 inches, 1966
Lot 117
is a strong oil on canvas by Husain entitled "Shiva Parvati. It
measures 38 by 63 1/8 inches and was painted in 1966. It has an
estimate of $500,000 to $700,000. It sold for $600,500.
Lot 149, "Lover's Tryst," by Avinash Chandra, oil on canvas, 48 by 80 inches, 1985
Lot
149, "Lover's Tryst," is an oil on canvas by Avinash Chandra
(1931-1991) that measures 48 by 80 inches. It was painted in
1985. It has an estimate of $25,000 to $35,000. It failed to sell.
Lot 109, "Untitled (Damayanti)," by Raja Ravi Varma, oil on canvas, 28 1/4 by 20 1/4 inches, circa 1890-1900
Lot
109, "Untitled (Damayanti)," is an oil on canvas by Raja Ravi Varma
(1848-1906). It measures 28 1/4 by 20 1/4 inches and was painted
circa 1890-1900. In 1979, the Indian Government declared him a National Treasure.
It has an estimate of $500,000 to $700,000. It sold for $1,692,500.
