New Delhi, March 14 AstaGuru's "Showkeen," an exhibition dedicated to modern and contemporary Indian art, opened here on Saturday, featuring the works of modernist masters such as M F Husain, K H Ara, and F N Souza, along with artworks by contemporary artists, including Paresh Maity, Chittrovanu Mazumdar, and Suryakant Lokhande.
From Lokhande's use of pop art and photographic references to Manu Parekh's reimagining of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and Krishen Khanna's faceless bandwallahs, the exhibition at Bikaner House brings together a curated collection of modern and contemporary Indian art.
Following its debut in Mumbai in 2025, the second edition of "Showkeen" presents a curated selection of rare and iconic works that trace the evolution of Indian artistic expression, from the pioneering visions of modern masters to the bold, experimental language of contemporary practitioners.
"After the overwhelming appreciation we received in Mumbai, bringing ShowKeen to Delhi was a natural and exciting progression. Delhi has long been a vital hub for art and culture. With this expansion, we aim to deepen our engagement with collectors and patrons across regions, offering them an elevated and immersive experience of exceptional art," Manoj Mansukhani, director - marketing, AstaGuru Auction House, said in a statement.
The exhibition presents works by artists including Ram Kumar, Himmat Shah, K K Hebbar, CD Mistry, Gurcharan Singh, and Thota Vaikuntam.
Works by contemporary artists, including Dhananjay Singh, and Jagannath Mohapatra are also among the more than 40 artists featured in the exhibition.
Some of the notable works include Husain's "Nehru," a portrait of the former prime minister; Khanna's "Combat in the Forest," an evocative acrylic and charcoal work on canvas depicting a tiger and an elephant in an intense encounter; Hebbar's "Sun Chariot," a monumental metal work reinterpreting mythological iconography; and Ara's "Naga Circle," depicting societal neglect towards the less fortunate in society.
"We seek to present a unique opportunity for collectors, connoisseurs, and industry professionals to connect with the most influential voices in the world of art today. ShowKeen has been designed as an experience, and will feature a blend of art walkthroughs, art talks, and other engaging activities," the organizers said.
The exhibition will conclude on March 15.