Jangarh Singh Shyam artwork set for $16,670 Indian folk auction

Jangarh Singh Shyam's untitled artwork will lead next week's Indian folk and tribal art sale

A 1984 work by Jangarh Singh Shyam (1962-2001) is set to lead an auction of Indian folk and tribal art next week.

The untitled painting, colourful in typical Gond tribe fashion, has a $16,670 high estimate, but could achieve considerably more considering previous auction results for the artist. His Paysage avec araignee from 1989 sold for $31,250 at Sotheby's in 2010.

Shyam first came to fame for his wall paintings - this 1984 canvas is valued at $16,670

First discovered at the age of 17 due to his talent in the Gond speciality of wall painting, his suicide in 2001 has only heightened interest in the troubled artist, with buyers fighting over the finite number of works.

His Badak piece from 1993 will also feature, as will one of the last works he ever created, an untitled acrylic and ink piece from 2001. They have $3,335 and $5,930 estimates, respectively.

The August 21-22 auction in India will also feature an untitled work by fellow Gond artist Durga Bai, valued at $2,965.

"One of our objectives has always been to promote Indian art and culture, and to build awareness and appreciation for India's artistic heritage and traditions," said Dinesh Vazirani, the auction house's CEO.

"The art market for contemporary Indian tribal and folk arts is still nascent, and with this sale we hope to develop it by offering collectors an opportunity to acquire original works of art by some of India's most talented folk and tribal artists and craftspeople, and tapping the interest of collectors."

India's middle class is expected to grow from 5% to 40% of the population by 2027, states research from the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI). We anticipate demand for the country's art to rise accordingly, pushing prices higher, as growing numbers of Indians have the means to purchase works.

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