Works by four Goan art icons set to go under the hammer next week, fetch massive sums

PANAJI: Paintings by four of Goa's most influential artists - Francis Newton Souza, Laxman Pai, Lancelot Ribeiro, and Vasudeo Gaitonde - are set to go under the hammer next week as part of the Collectors' Choice Modern Art Auction. Art critics said that the eye-watering sums these artworks are expected to attract highlight these four artists' contributions to the field.

"F N Souza is a name that sets curiosity churning because his works have gone into historic figures for Indian contemporary art," said art critic and historian Uma Nair. Last year, a rare Souza painting, 'Girl in a yellow sweater', was sold to a secret art collector for Rs 14.4 crore at an auction.

The AstaGuru auction on June 20 will showcase six of Souza's works, including his iconic head imagery; a landscape oil painting by Ribeiro, and two works by Pai. The auction also includes works by M F Hussain, and will have a portrait of Pai executed by K K Hebbar.

‘Expect art by Souza and fellow Goans to appreciate remarkably’
The demand for Souza’s artworks is fueled by his exceptional artistic vision, unparalleled talent, and his stature in the history and discourse of modern Indian art,” said Sunny Chandiramani, senior vice-president at AstaGuru.

“Collectors recognise the profound significance of owning a Souza masterpiece, as it represents a cherished piece of India’s artistic heritage. We expect enthusiastic bidding and a remarkable appreciation in value for the exceptional artworks by Souza andhis fellow Goan artists at this upcoming auction.”Souza is renowned for pushing boundaries and being highly individualistic, which includes his famed ‘Head’ series, in which the artist transforms the idea of portraiture with intricate, distorted faces. The base price for this artwork is Rs 60 lakh.

“Laxman Pai the veteran abstractionist has so much to offer in terms of substance and the brilliance of colour contexts and complexities. Their arduous hours of labour and passion is what sets them apart. Also, AstaGuru has had its share of hammer records,” Nair said.