Page 119 - AstaGuru Modern Odyssey

Lot No. 86

AMAR NATH SEHGAL
1922 - 2007

UNTITLED
9.8 x 7.5 x 3.5 in (25 x 19 x 9 cm)
Bronze
1984
Signed & Dated: Bottom Left

` 15,00,000 - 20,00,000 | $ 18,293 - 24,390

Provenance: Property from a collection based in New Delhi.

Amarnath Sehgal, an artist of great versatility, embarked
on an engineering career before redirecting his focus to-
wards arts. In 1947, he pursued studies at the Mayo School of
Art (later known as the National College of Arts since 1958)
and the Lahore School of Fine Arts, both located in Lahore.
Subsequently, he delved into Art Education for three years
at New York University. Upon returning to India in 1951, Se-
hgal collaborated closely with the Ministry of Community
Development, establishing workshops to revive folk art in
rural North India.

In 1966, Sehgal resigned from his role as an Art Consultant
for the Ministry of Community Development and relocat-
ed to Europe. Throughout the following decade, he actively
participated in exhibitions held in Paris, Berlin, Luxembourg,
Antwerp, and Munich. In 1979, he inaugurated a studio in
Luxembourg, dividing his time between Luxembourg and
New Delhi. In 1986, he founded The Creative Fund to support
young artists from both countries in exploring and appreci-
ating their rich cultural heritage.

Sehgal, proficient in various mediums including sculptures,
paintings, poems, graphics, and tapestries, channelled his
experiences of witnessing the Partition of India into highly
expressive works. His art captured emotions such as an-
guish, helplessness, oppression, and hope.

Achieving success in his lifetime, Sehgal’s works found their
place in private and public collections globally, including
prestigious institutions such as the Musée d’Art Moderne
de Paris, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and the National
Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. Throughout his career,
he received numerous accolades, including the Lalit Kala
Akademi Fellowship in 1993, the highest honour in the fine MAQUETTE FOR MONUMENT TO AVIATION
arts bestowed by the government. In 2008, the Govern- 29.7 x 25.9 in (75.6 x 65.8 cm.)
ment of India posthumously awarded Sehgal the Padma Bronze and stone, 1957
Bhushan in recognition of his significant contributions to art.
Sold for $ 108,882