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Economic Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Shape shifters: Sculptures take center stage in the art world
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel What's an estimate in the art world? Turns out it's just a polite per the Indian Art Investor 2024-25 Art Market Report, the sale of Indian Modern and Contemporary art at auctions globally clocked in at Rs 1,016 while paintings are breaking records, there's one segment that's quietly on carving out a space of its own — sculptures. 'Sculpture has been a somewhat neglected medium that is now beginning to get its due from collectors,' says Ashish Anand of art gallery 2022, experts say that there has been a noticeable increase in both interest and sales volume. Auction house results reflect a clear upward shift as well. 'There has been a 20–30% rise in the number of sculptures offered in auctions since 2017,' shares Manoj Mansukhani, CMO, AstaGuru Auction House.'Sculptures are now more frequently crossing their high estimates, indicating that buyers are not only showing more interest, but are also willing to invest significantly.' Rahul Khanna of Palette Art Gallery adds that over the past few years, they have seen 'a 30– 40% rise in the average selling price of sculptures'.An entrepreneur and art collector who recently picked up two Himmat Shah creations says, 'Shah was an artist of tremendous depth and one of India's pioneering sculptors with stunning creations. Buying his works was an easy decision, including from an investment perspective, as there is great relative value at his current prices and financial upside in the near future.'Some sculptures tip the scales at tonnes, making them awe-inspiring but not exactly easy to live with.'Shipping and handling are definitely more complex with sculptures. But once someone connects with the piece, those challenges become secondary,' explains fashion designer and artist Jenjum Gadi.'For collectors concerned about weight or space, there are several alternatives. Tabletop sculptures are ideal for shelves and consoles, while wall-mounted relief sculptures combine the spatial depth of sculpture with the convenience of wall art. Many contemporary artists now create modular or sectional works that can be assembled on site,' says AstaGuru's are working with fibreglass, resin, paper pulp and mixed media materials that capture the visual gravitas of stone or metal, but without the accompanying logistical challenges. This allows for more fluid forms and contemporary exponential increase in wealth in India helps. Damian Vesey, director, international specialist, South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art at Christie's, says that the market is clearly being led by Indian collectors — including the diaspora. 'We're also seeing that more people are comfortable living with large sculptures, even in urban homes,' he says. International exposure through art fairs, biennales and museum retrospectives — like Mrinalini Mukherjee's exhibition at the Met Breuer — has raised awareness and appreciation for Indian sculptors. Social media has also amplified this trend. Artist Narayan Biswas believes that the pandemic has had a role. 'The stillness of lockdown allowed many artists to return to traditional, tactile mediums — embracing the slow, grounding nature of sculpture.'With modern architecture leaning into open plans, vast glass panels and minimal partitions, traditional wall art isn't the only option, there are more adaptable forms of expression — sculptures included.> Palette Art Gallery's Rahul Khanna and Rohit Gandhi share, 'We've seen a growing desire among collectors, architects and designers to incorporate sculptural works as focal points, be it a bold piece in a double-height living room, a quiet installation in an atrium, or an outdoor form nestled in a landscaped garden.'> 'They offer 360-degree visibility, interact with light and space dynamically,' says AstaGuru's Mansukhani.> Vesey of Christie's shares that interior designers now play a big role in the crossover between art and design — they're also becoming significant buyers in the art young, the old, the new, the bold. While established collectors make up a fair share of the sculpture market, young collectors — people in their 30s, 40s, and some even in their 20s — are also poring catalogues. Artist Paresh Maity says, 'Now, the younger generation is at the forefront, as they have understood the value of collecting art, especially sculptures.'
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Giftex's ‘Precious Collectibles' Auction to Showcase Exquisite Jewellery, Timepieces, Silver, and Rare Books
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, February 19, 2025 / / -- In its upcoming auction of 'Precious Collectibles' scheduled on February 23-24, 2025, Giftex will present an array of fine collectible items, including jewellery, silver, timepieces, rare books, and pens. Talking about the auction, Manoj Mansukhani, CMO at AstaGuru Auction House said: 'This edition brings together an exquisite selection of fine jewellery, silver, timepieces, rare books, and pens—each piece a testament to its enduring value. Collectors and connoisseurs can look forward to an exceptional curation that reflects the essence of luxury and legacy. Lot no. 1 is a Montblanc limited edition writer's series Marcel Proust set includes a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, and mechanical pencil. This edition honours the legacy of Marcel Proust, whose groundbreaking work, 'Remembrance of Things Past', redefined the art of storytelling with its exploration of time, memory, and introspection. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 2,25,000 - 2,50,000. Lot no. 21 is a Montblanc Meisterstück 75th Anniversary special edition rollerball pen This rollerball pen was released to commemorate 75 years of the iconic Meisterstück collection. It features rose gold-plated accents, including the clip and rings, and is distinguished by the special inscription '75 Years of Passion and Soul' on the cap band. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 1,50,000 - 1,80,000. Lot No. 88, a Vintage Diamond Bracelet is set in 18k gold. The bracelet is designed as a broad belt with a buckle and fastener set with diamonds in a mesh design. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 9,20,000 - 10,00,000. Lot No. 96 is a Pair Of Diamond Chandelier Ear Pendants which is set in 18k white gold with diamonds, diamond briolettes, and rose-cut diamonds. The ear pendants are designed as a chandelier with four tiers, set with diamonds and diamond briolettes, with a rose-cut diamond and diamond eartops. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 10,00,000 - 12,00,000. Lot No. 186 is a Set Of Twelve Georgian Silver Dinner Plates by William Stroud, London. Each plate is embossed with a rope pattern border and a royal family monogram on the front. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 8,90,000 - 12,00,000. Lot No. 210 is An English Hallmark Cutlery Set by Roberts & Belk Ltd, Sheffield. This 129-piece cutlery set for 12 people with an assortment of coffee, tea, soup, dessert, and dinner spoons and forks. The set comprises 24 knives featuring gun handles, along with a carving knife, a carving fork, and a knife sharpener. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 9,25,000 - 9,75,000. Lot No. 262, Oriental Field Sports: Volumes I & II by Captain Thomas Williamson Drawings by Samuel Howett was Published by Edward Orme & B. Crosby & Co., London in 1808. The books are well-used and show age-related wear. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 1,80,000 - 2,20,000. Lot No. 272, Lahore To Yarkand by George Henderson & Allan O. Hume was published by L. Reeve & Co., London in 1873. The book chronicles the 1870 British expedition undertaken from Lahore to Yarkand. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 1,80,000 - 2,20,000. Lot No. 239 is A Map Of Imperii Magni Mogolis Sive Indici Padschach, engraved by Mathaus Seutter in 1750. It depicts the extent of the Mughal Empire during the late 17th century, covering Northern India, Central Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. This lot is estimated to sell at INR ₹ 2,00,000 - 2,50,000. Lot No. 408 is Girard Perregaux 1966 Chronograph (1966 Tribute) 18k Rose Gold Wristwatch. Reference 49539. This lot is estimated to sell at ₹ 10,00,000 - 13,00,000 Lot No. 416 is a Chopard Dual Time Zone 18k White Gold Wristwatch. Reference Geneve 202341. This lot is estimated to sell at ₹ 10,00,000 - 13,00,000. About Giftex: With over three decades of experience, Giftex is India's premier gifting platform, known for its curated collections and innovative approach to luxury gifting. By hosting exclusive online auctions, Giftex continues to bring rare and valuable collectibles to the discerning collector. Pankaj Singh X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
