MF Husain’s Gram Yatra Sets a New Record
The recent auction of MF Husain’s painting “Gram Yatra” has taken the art world by storm, fetching a staggering Rs 118 crore (approximately $14.5 million). This record-breaking price surprised even the experts at Christie’s, who had estimated the artwork’s value between $2.5 to $3.5 million.
Celebrating India’s Soul
According to Nishad Avari, the head of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, “This was a phenomenal work.” Husain, often referred to as India’s “barefoot Picasso,” has a storied career that began with painting hoardings and Bollywood posters. His journey is as colorful as his art, though not without challenges, including exile due to death threats and legal battles.
Art historian Yashodhara Dalmia describes this sale as a “homecoming” for Husain, who, along with the Progressive Artists Group, pioneered a modernist language in Indian art post-Independence. “Gram Yatra” showcases Husain’s ability to blend modernism with deep-rooted Indian themes, featuring scenes of everyday life, such as a farmer tilling the soil and a woman using a chakki to mill wheat.
A Focus on Rural India
Avari highlights the farmer depicted in the painting, stating that he represents the foundational importance of rural India during a time of rapid urbanization. Anand, another art expert, emphasizes that Husain captures Gandhi’s vision of India’s soul residing in its villages.
Despite Husain’s fame, Anand notes that his artworks have been undervalued compared to contemporaries. This record-setting sale may change that perception and encourage many to unearth the treasures gifted to them by the iconic artist.
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