South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art

Vasudeo S. Gaitonde was a member of India’s Progressive Artists’ Group, a movement of artistic reinvention based in Bombay during the mid-20th century. After his association with the Progressive Artists’ Group, Gaitonde was introduced to the Indian miniature watercolor technique by Shankar B. Palsikar. Along with his study of traditional Indian painting techniques, Gaitonde was also influenced by the work of the German Expressionist Paul Klee, who shaped his artistic style during the 1950s and early 1960s. An oil painting by Gaitonde will be offered in the upcoming South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art Auction, presented by Christie’s. The untitled piece was painted in shades of light blue, aqua, and green. 

Work from another member of the Progressive Artists’ Group is among the highlights of the sale. Sayed Haider Raza was a co-founder of the artistic collective. One goal of the movement was to reject the influences of European Realism—which was the leading style in Indian academic art at the time. As he was exposed to Modernism, Raza’s early landscapes moved towards abstraction. Also featured in the sale is a work by Narayan Shridhar Bendre. Known for his persistent experimentation, Bendre pushed the boundaries of arts and crafts in the 1950s. Explore the full listings and register to bid online by visiting Christie’s.