A Historic Canvas
Gram Yatra by MF Hussain
The world of Indian art recently witnessed a historic moment when a work by MF Hussain crossed the ₹100 crore mark at an auction. A staggering $13.8 million (₹119 crore) was paid for MF Hussain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra)—a painting that had been virtually hidden away in Norway for decades—at Christie’s auction in New York.
Leon Elias Volodarsky, a Norwegian doctor, was instantly impressed by a large painting mounted on the AIFACS gallery wall. The painting, which depicted 13 vignettes portraying rural India, measured over four meters in length and nearly a meter in height. It was a new painting, completed in early 1954, by Mumbai-based artist Maqbool Fida Husain, a member of the Progressive Artists’ Group. Volodarsky purchased the painting for ₹1,400 and took it to Oslo, Norway.
While the staggering price is a significant milestone, the true importance of this event lies beyond mere numbers. It signifies the growing recognition of Indian heritage, traditions, and storytelling in the global art market. More importantly, it highlights the value of subjects deeply rooted in rural India, nature, and community life—subjects that are becoming increasingly rare in an age dominated by technology and urbanization.
The Rise of Rural Aesthetics in a Digital Age
We are living in an era of rapid technological advancements. Artificial Intelligence (AI), sky scrapers, and urban comforts are replacing human touch and natural elements. As we move towards a hyper-modern world, the warmth of rural life, farming, and the sense of community are becoming more significant. This shift is evident in the rising popularity of rural-themed cinema and web series such as Pushpa 2, Panchayat, and Dupahiya, which deeply connects with audiences.
Just as India’s Golden Road once made Indian spices and textiles a global treasure, today, the world is seeking Indian culture, traditions, and soulful heritage. The demand for Indian stories, folklore, and art has existed since the dawn of civilization and continues to grow. The success of films like Lagaan and Swades on international platforms, along with the record-breaking sale of Hussain’s artwork, reinforces this trend.
From Rural Rhythms to Global Recognition
Understanding this from the inception of my career as a curator and gallerist, we have prioritized works that hold long-term value—not only as investments but also as generational legacy works that can be passed down as valuable cultural assets.
A few examples include the development, creation, and production of serigraphs such as Life by Padma Shri Shanti Dave, Family by Padma Shri Laxma Goud, Indian Village by Natu Mistry, Harni Mela by Padma Shri Ratan Parimoo, and the entire exhibition of his original works from the Kashmir and Baroda series from 1950s. Additionally, there are Padma Shri Shyam Sharma’s works based on Apni Mitti, as well as the group exhibition Kalagram at Rann Utsav, the best village recognition by UNWTO. This exhibition showcased the significance of Indian villages.
The Silent Revolution
Artworks by Megha Sharma, Abhipsa Pradhan & Veenita Chendvankar
Recently, we curated one of our most successful exhibitions, Folk, Fantasy aur Nature, featuring some of India’s best talents like Sunil Yadav, Vipin Singh Rajput, Shahanshah Mittal, Abhipsa Pradhan, Veenita Chendvankar, Megha Sharma, Hari Kishan Kadam, Khushi Ram Jauhari, designed for collectors and aimed at acquiring works with future potential—both as quality of the artwork and as reflections of the artists’ visions of Indian rural life, folklore, and traditions. Prominent collectors have pointed out that over the next decades, Indian folk and nature-based art will dominate the global art scene. These subjects carry deep-rooted stories, emotions, and values that transcend geographical boundaries.
The current generation of emerging artists, such as Zainul Abdeen, Shivam Yadav, Purnima Yadav, Gyanwant Yadav, and Yashwant Singh, are reshaping this concept in their own way—making it relevant to contemporary audiences without losing its essence.
The style of artworks will evolve; the depiction of village life and folklore in a 1950s painting will differ greatly from an artwork created in 2025. This evolution is essential for any art form to survive and grow. Unlike other rural representations, Indian rural life offers more than just scenic beauty—it carries stories, traditions, and spiritual connections. The tales of grandmothers, nature, land, and the divine relationship with the sun, moon, and rain make Indian art unique. Indian civilization has always valued animals, plants, and natural forces, adding depth and meaning to an artwork.
Art as a Bridge Between Past and Future
In this and coming age, human senses, emotions, and cultural connections will always remain irreplaceable. While technology continues to evolve, the essence of nature-based and folk art remains timeless. Collectors and art enthusiasts must recognize that investing in Indian traditional art is not just about preserving heritage—it is about securing a valuable asset that will only appreciate with time.
For centuries, Indian storytelling, traditions, and creative expressions have had universal appeal. Even as the world modernizes, there will always be a deep longing for a connection with nature, roots, and traditions. This is why rural and folk themes will never fade—they will evolve while retaining their core essence.
Coming Home
Artworks by Yashwant Singh
Artworks by Purnima Yadav
Over the last few years, the demand for serigraphs and artworks that reflect generational values has surged. This reaffirms that despite modern living, people feel a natural attachment to land, agriculture, seasons, and the natural world. The recent auction of Hussain’s work confirms it. As the world progresses, Indian traditions, values, and folklore will gain even greater significance, serving as a reminder of where we come from and where we truly belong.
Given the chance, we all long to return to our villages—to the peace, the land, the farm, the agriculture, the animals, the trees, and the forests. These elements hold an innate energy, an unspoken connection that binds us to them. We have come from this, and ultimately, we will return to it.
Preserving the Soul of a Civilization
No matter how modern or contemporary our homes become, our deepest attachments remain with nature—with the land, the moon, the sun, the rain, and the wind. This is a universal truth that can never fade. While artwork’s styles, languages, compositions, textures, and approaches will evolve, our traditions, heritage, and values will only grow stronger. Our connection with nature will become even more vital than at any point in human civilization.
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
