AstaGuru’s upcoming Manifest auction promises to be a landmark event in the world of Indian art, featuring a carefully curated collection of artworks by some of the most celebrated figures in the country’s artistic history. The auction, taking place online from August 29th to 30th, 2025, will offer a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire …
Indian Icons at AstaGuru’s Manifest Auction: A Legacy in the Making
AstaGuru’s upcoming Manifest auction promises to be a landmark event in the world of Indian art, featuring a carefully curated collection of artworks by some of the most celebrated figures in the country’s artistic history. The auction, taking place online from August 29th to 30th, 2025, will offer a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire iconic works from the masters of Indian modernism, along with contemporary masterpieces that continue to shape the nation’s visual legacy.
A Curated Journey Across Time
The Manifest auction is not just an art sale; it’s a journey through a century of Indian artistic evolution. Curated by AstaGuru, the collection presents works by luminaries such as S H Raza, M F Husain, F N Souza, Akbar Padamsee, Manjit Bawa, Sakti Burman, and Krishen Khanna, each piece a reflection of the unique narrative that these artists have contributed to the broader spectrum of Indian art.
Speaking about the auction, Sunny Chandiramani, Director of Client Relations at AstaGuru, noted:
“Manifest is conceived as a dialogue across time. From the bold experimentation of India’s modernists to the innovation of contemporary practitioners, the collection reflects the arc of a century in Indian art. Each lot is not just a work of beauty, but a marker of history, inviting collectors to be custodians of narratives that continue to shape generations.”
Featured Works: A Blend of Modernism and Contemporary Art
Several works stand out in the Manifest auction, each holding a significant place in the evolution of Indian art.
Akbar Padamsee – Untitled (Nude)
One of the star pieces of the auction is Akbar Padamsee’s “Untitled (Nude)” (Lot No. 24), an evocative painting that explores themes of vulnerability and loneliness. The solitary figure, captured in profile, contrasts sharply with a bold, textured background, creating a sense of profound isolation. Estimated at ₹3–4 crore, this piece highlights Padamsee’s exploration of form, tone, and human emotion.
F N Souza – 1954 Landscape
Another powerful artwork is F N Souza’s 1954 landscape (Lot No. 39), an angular, geometric portrayal of an architectural structure. Souza, known for his expressionist distortions, uses sharp planes and vivid contrasts to evoke both tension and solidity. Estimated at ₹4–6 crore, this piece exemplifies his bold approach to the human psyche through the lens of architectural form.
Sakti Burman – Durga
Sakti Burman’s “Durga” (Lot No. 10), estimated at ₹1.5–2.5 crore, blends Indian mythology with European modernist techniques. Burman’s signature dreamlike vision brings the mythological goddess Durga into a fantastical, otherworldly realm, merging the divine and the human in a captivating and poetic tableau.
M F Husain – Untitled
The Untitled work by M F Husain (Lot No. 27), estimated at ₹3–4 crore, offers a glimpse into his dynamic engagement with form and color. Moving away from figuration, Husain embraces abstraction, experimenting with visual language and breaking away from traditional norms.
Manjit Bawa – 1989 Work
A rare, large-scale work by Manjit Bawa (Lot No. 21), created in 1989, carries the raw energy of mythic struggle. With its distinctive stylization and minimal use of line, the piece exudes primal instincts, offering a glimpse into the early phase of Bawa’s artistic practice. This work is estimated to sell for ₹2.5–3 crore.
Anjolie Ela Menon – Window Motif
Anjolie Ela Menon’s piece (Lot No. 04), estimated at ₹1–1.5 crore, showcases her continued exploration of the window motif. A central element in her practice, the window is used both as an “objet trouvé” and a symbol, creating layers of meaning and offering a window into the soul of her artistic vision.
Krishen Khanna – Bandwallas Diptych
A striking diptych by Krishen Khanna (Lot No. 23) from his renowned Bandwallas series is another important work. The faceless, uniformed wedding musicians in the painting symbolize resilience and unity amid adversity. The juxtaposition of festive color and quiet melancholy adds depth to Khanna’s portrayal of these anonymous figures. The work is estimated at ₹2–3 crore.
J. Swaminathan – Untitled
J. Swaminathan’s “Untitled” (Lot No. 30) piece reflects his transcendental abstraction. Set against textured planes of ochre, grey, and muted red, the triangular forms speak to primal energy, drawn from tribal and folk vocabularies. The work is estimated to sell for ₹1.5–2.5 crore.
A Cultural Legacy
The Manifest auction is not just an opportunity to acquire significant works of art; it’s an invitation to be a part of India’s cultural legacy. The pieces in the auction serve as enduring testimonials to the nation’s artistic journey, spanning modernism, abstraction, and contemporary innovation.
Collectors have the chance to secure pieces that represent not just beauty but also history, each work offering a unique perspective on India’s socio-cultural evolution. As the auction continues to engage art enthusiasts from around the world, it also strengthens AstaGuru’s position as a leading platform for showcasing Indian art to a global audience.
The auction will be conducted online at www.astaguru.com, where potential bidders can preview the full catalog and register for participation.
Conclusion
AstaGuru’s Manifest auction is a celebration of India’s visual legacy, offering collectors the chance to own masterpieces that span a century of creative evolution. With works from the greatest Indian artists, this auction is a unique opportunity to become a custodian of history while acquiring extraordinary works of art.
