The first Indian artist to have a solo retrospective at the Tate Modern, late Bhupen Khakhar was no ordinary man. His masterpiece 'Man in Pub' leads the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art Sale this month at Bonhams, one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.
A striking artwork that displays British subject matter with Indian flair and vibrancy, Man in Pub is estimated to auction at a whopping £250,000–350,000. A wonderful example of Khakhar's knack for storytelling through art, the celebrated painting is said to have been inspired by the lonely, silent men he witnessed during a visit to England.
On earlier occasion, Khakhar dabbled with the themes of masculinity, sexuality and class discrimination, creating haunting images of withdrawn men, isolated in an otherwise traditional setting.
Until figurative painting cast open Khakhar's career, the late artist lived a humble life as an accountant in Mumbai. Of the many facets of his personality, his sexuality was a matter of contention in India, at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the country. His humorous portrayals of the everyday Indian man have traces of confession, with vulnerable, intimate encounters depicted between men, against a backdrop of city and family life.
Man in Pub leads the auction on 22nd November at Bonhams, London.
