Indian mural that spent decades on Norwegian hospital wall sells for record $13.8m

A remarkable painting by the renowned Indian artist MF Husain, titled Untitled (Gram Yatra), was sold for an astonishing $13. 8 million at a Christie's auction in New York last week. This sale has set a new record for Indian art, surpassing the previous high of $7. 4 million, which was achieved by Amrita Sher-Gil's painting The Story Teller in 2023. The mural, which measures an impressive 14 feet in width, had been largely forgotten for decades, quietly displayed on the walls of a Norwegian hospital. MF Husain, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 95, is celebrated as a pioneer of Indian modernism and continues to inspire many artists in India and beyond. In 2006, he faced threats from Hindu extremist groups due to his artistic representations of deities, which forced him to leave India. The painting Gram Yatra, which translates to 'village journey', was created in 1954, long before Husain became a household name. It features 13 distinct vignettes that capture the essence of Indian village life, showcasing Husain's unique ability to blend traditional Indian folk art with modernist influences. The scenes depicted in the mural are reminiscent of narrative paintings found in India's miniature art tradition, where small images come together to tell a larger story. Husain's use of vibrant, earthy colors brings these frames to life, illustrating women engaged in daily activities such as cooking, caring for children, and riding carts. One particularly striking frame shows a farmer extending his arm, symbolically connecting to the land depicted in the adjacent frame, highlighting the agricultural roots of Indian society. According to Nishad Avari, the head of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie's, 'If you're looking for a single artwork that defines modern South Asian art, this is it. ' Husain's artistic journey was also influenced by his travels abroad, especially a significant trip to China in 1952, where he encountered the calligraphic brushwork of artists like Xu Beihong. This influence is evident in the expressive strokes found in Gram Yatra. Following India's independence, Husain sought inspiration not in the art capitals of Paris or New York, but rather in the villages of India, echoing Mahatma Gandhi's belief that the true heart of the nation lies in its rural communities. Husain's biographer, Akhilesh, notes that the artist's deep connection with India's cultural landscape played a crucial role in shaping the nation's self-perception, reflecting how people live, what they cherish, and their thoughts. The painting also showcases the early development of Husain's modified cubist style, characterized by geometric shapes and bold lines that became hallmarks of his work. The journey of this painting from Delhi to Oslo adds to its intrigue. It was originally purchased in 1954 for a mere $295 by Ukrainian doctor Leon Elias Volodarsky, who was in India on a mission for the World Health Organization. After being transported to Norway, the painting remained largely unnoticed on the walls of Oslo University Hospital for nearly fifty years. It wasn't until 2013, two years after Husain's passing, that Christie's was informed about the painting, leading to its global exhibitions and ultimately this record-breaking sale. Ashish Anand, the CEO of DAG, believes that this sale will significantly enhance the perceived value of Husain's entire body of work, encouraging a shift in how Indian art is viewed, from merely aesthetic appreciation to a serious financial investment.