Giftex Auction Success: Paperworks and Sculptures Redefine Modern Indian Art
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” — Edgar Degas
It is often said that sculpture is where time, form, and spirit meet, and paperwork art is where ideas first breathe.
While art is a broad term, encompassing various forms of art such as painting, sculpture, music, dance, and any type of creative expression, sculpture is a specific form of art that focuses on the creation of three-dimensional objects.
The phrase works on paper encompasses a diverse range of media — from drawings and paintings to prints. Paperwork art is usually paintings using the medium of paper, like watercolour on paper, oil painting on paper, etc.
Artists have used paper media to test new artworks, new ways of creativity, giving viewers an outside glimpse into these artists’ thought processes.
Sculpture, on the other hand, is a type of visual art. Sculptors create three-dimensional figures in an effort to bring to life their thoughts and ideas.
Art and Sculpture Auction
Art and sculpture auctions are important because they facilitate the exchange of art, provide access to rare and exclusive works, and determine the market value of these artworks. These serve as a crucial marketplace connecting artists, collectors, and institutions, thereby shaping the art market.
One such alluring auction was the recently concluded Giftex Modern and Contemporary Indian art auction, focusing on Paperworks and Sculptures.
With a carefully curated catalogue, the event captured collectors’ imaginations and achieved remarkable success.
Also Read: Success of the August Art Auction at Giftex
About Giftex
Giftex is a leading platform for online auctions, offering rare and significant works across art, design, and luxury collectibles. Giftex brings collectors, investors and artists together with a focus on luxury collectibles that tell tales of unique craftsmanship and storytelling.
For over three decades, Giftex has earned a stellar reputation in the Indian gifting industry, providing high‑end corporate and personalized gifts that speak of elegance and quality. With this rich legacy, Giftex expanded into the digital auction world in October 2023, aiming to curate a wealth of rare and limited-edition collectables for connoisseurs.
Giftex’s Recent Auction: A Grand Success
The Giftex online auction of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art: Paperworks and Sculptures, held on September 16–17, 2025, was a great success. Total sales reached ₹5,37,59,898, and the highest bid was ₹18,99,007 for Lot No.27, a work by Krishen Khanna. This auction highlighted the vitality of India’s art market and the strong interest of collectors.
Let’s look at the Top 5 lots that defined the auction:
The Stars of the Show: Top 5 Lots
These artworks were the top lots sold, showcasing a diverse interest by art collectors.
- Lot No. 27 Krishen Khanna
Title: Bandwallas
Medium: Mixed media on paper
This iconic Krishen Khanna paperwork art captures the raw energy of street musicians with bold strokes and vibrant contrasts.
Winning Bid: ₹18,99,007
- Lot No. 145 Himmat Shah
Title: Untitled
Medium: Bronze
This bronze sculpture by Himmat Shah embodies his signature abstract form. The minimalist yet powerful design made it a striking presence at the recent auction.
Winning Bid: ₹16,13,544
- Lot No. 168, F N Souza
Title: Untitled
Medium: Pen and ink on paper
This double-sided, pen and ink on paper artwork by the artist F. N. Souza is a reflection of his raw, expressive style, making it a success at the recent Giftex art auction.
Winning Bid: ₹15,31,873
4. Lot No. 165, M F Husain
Title: Untitled
Medium: Acrylic on wood
This work by M. F. Husain, executed in acrylic on wood, transforms the painter’s easel into a vibrant, standalone piece of art. Splattered with the same bold colours that defined his canvases, it serves as a reminder of his artistic legacy.
Winning Bid: ₹14,66,854
- Lot No. 160, Krishen Khanna
Title: Bandwalla
Medium: Mixed media on paper
Yet another iconic work by Krishen Khanna. This mixed media on paper artwork celebrates the vibrancy of India’s band musicians with bold colours and vibrant strokes.
Winning Bid: ₹12,97,048
Allure of Art and Sculptures Auction
The allure of an art and sculpture auction comes from a lot of factors. The thrill of discovering artworks and sculptures to add to your collection, the fierce competition with bidders and the sweet taste of victory when you get your hands on a coveted treasure.
Reasons for Allure:
- Investment Potential
Art and sculptures can be significant investments as they appreciate over time. Auctions provide an avenue for collectors to acquire such treasures at incredible prices.
- Expand Access
Online auction houses like Giftex help bidders participate from any corner of the world, making it a global marketplace.
- Supporting the Artists
Auctions provide a significant way to support artists and art institutions, as many pieces are purchased from living artists or sold through galleries.
- Discover Unique Pieces
Auctions help bring many works of artists that may have been unknown or hidden till now into the light. Collectors can get their hands on never-before-seen works of their favourite artists for an amazing price.
- Preserve Legacy
Auctions help preserve the legacy of artists and their works by highlighting their importance and helping them reach the hands of collectors who would preserve them.
Preserving Paperworks and Sculptures
Owning art comes with responsibility. Here are essential preservation tips for collectors:
For Paperworks (Watercolour, Oil, Acrylic, Ink on Paper)
- Avoid direct sunlight: Paper is vulnerable to fading. Use UV-protective glass if framing.
- Control humidity: Excess moisture causes mold; dryness leads to brittleness. Keep at 45–55% humidity.
- Proper framing: Use acid-free mounts and backing.
- Minimal handling: Always use gloves; oils from fingers can stain.
For Sculptures
- Material-specific care: Bronze requires regular waxing; wood needs dusting and polishing; steel demands rust-preventive measures.
- Placement matters: Avoid outdoor exposure unless the work is designed for it.
- Dust regularly: Microfiber cloths work best. For textured sculptures, use a soft brush.
Looking Ahead: Future Auctions
Giftex has shown its commitment to elevating art experiences through carefully curated auctions. Following the resounding success of its current auction, the online auction house is gearing up for its next major event: the Jewellery and Watches Auction.v
Expect exquisite heirlooms, contemporary statement pieces, and rare horological treasures to take centre stage. Collectors and enthusiasts should stay tuned—because if this past auction is any indication, the upcoming event will be equally exciting.
Final Thoughts
Art auctions like these are very much loved as they offer a chance to acquire exclusive and rare artworks from private collections, estates, and institutions that are not available elsewhere. By promoting the sale and acquisition of artworks, auctions contribute to the overall growth, preservation, and appreciation of art as a cultural heritage.
Paperwork art, and sculpture form two vital wings of Modern and Contemporary Indian art. From the fragile intimacy of ink and watercolour sketches to the commanding presence of bronze and steel, these works tell stories that transcend time and space.
As Giftex prepares for its next journey into jewellery and watches, one thing is clear: art in all its forms continues to inspire, anchor, and elevate our lives.
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