Deciphering the most popular living artists of India

India's Artistic Maestros: Who Shone the Brightest in 2023?

The tapestry of India's art scene is as vivid as it is varied. A testament to this vibrant mosaic is the much-anticipated India Art List 2023 by the Hurun Research Institute. Moris Media, India's best digital marketing agency, brings the details of this annual revelation that celebrates the crème de la crème of living Indian artists. This  is the fifth year that this list that encapsulates the zeitgeist of India's contemporary art world has been published. It spotlights not just the pioneers but also the emerging prodigies. Not only does it serve as a reflection of the past year's achievements, it also is indicative of the evolving tastes and trends in the art marketplace. As art enthusiasts, collectors, and artists eagerly turn their attention to this year's list, the narrative it paints is clear: Indian artistry, whether on canvas or in sculpture, remains unparalleled and ever-thriving.

Key Highlights from the 2023 Art List:

2023 has been a hallmark year for the Indian art sector, and the Hurun India Art List lays testament to this. With a staggering ₹252.61 crore recorded in total sales, the market displayed an impressive surge, showcasing a whopping 113 per cent year-on-year growth. Such figures speak volumes about the increasing appreciation and demand for Indian artistry on both domestic and international platforms.

On doing an in-depth analysis, we find an uplifting trend emerging. A significant 80 per cent of the featured artists experienced a rise in their sale value. This growth wasn't mere marginal increases but substantial jumps. A case in point: ten stalwarts on the list celebrated over a 100% boost in their sales value.

Another noteworthy mention is the sale of lots. The year saw 539 lots being sold, marking an increase of 69 lots when juxtaposed with the preceding year. Such figures not only underscore the growing demand but also the increasing supply and diversity of artwork being made available for art aficionados.

The 2023 Art List paints a promising picture of India's art realm, characterized by exponential growth, diverse offerings, and an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence.

The Pioneers of the List:

In a list teeming with extraordinary talent, a few names rise above the rest, setting benchmarks for others to aspire to. Topping the 2023 Art List and holding the fort for the fifth consecutive year is the masterful British-Indian sculptor, Anish Kapoor. His creations, transcending conventional bounds, raked in a staggering ₹91 crore in auction sales, underscoring the global demand for his iconic pieces.

Following closely is Arpita Singh, the pride of New Delhi's art scene. A painter par excellence, Singh's artistry resonated with art lovers and collectors alike, registering an impressive sale of ₹24.71 crore. Her works, imbued with depth and narrative, speak a universal language that connects across borders.

Securing the third spot is the enigmatic figurative artist, Jogen Chowdhury. With his distinctive style and attention to intricate details, Chowdhury's pieces fetched ₹19.76 crore. His art, rooted deeply in Indian culture yet possessing a global appeal, embodies the essence of contemporary Indian art.

These pioneers, with their unparalleled talent and vision, haven't just achieved personal milestones but have paved the way for countless others, turning the spotlight firmly onto India's thriving art landscape.

Women in Art – A Special Mention:

In the vast expanse of India's art terrain, the 2023 Art List illuminated the brilliant contributions of women artists, standing as pillars of creativity and expression. Out of the top 50 maestros, 9 are women, whose combined artistic offerings make up a significant 14 per cent of the total sales value. While this number may seem modest, their influence is immeasurable, pushing boundaries and shattering ceilings in what was once a male-dominated arena.

Foremost among them is Arpita Singh from New Delhi, whose poignant strokes garnered her the second position on the list, a feat that resonates with aspiring female artists everywhere. The presence of these women on the list not only marks their individual successes but also underscores a larger narrative – a shifting paradigm where women artists are not just participants but formidable forces shaping the contours of India's art narrative.

Preferred Art Forms in 2023:

As the curtains rose on the Indian art scene in 2023, certain mediums clearly dominated the stage. Painting, an age-old form, retained its allure, with 33 artists from the top 50 wielding their brushes to create mesmerizing canvases. Their works, ranging from abstract to realism, echoed the sentiments, stories, and rich heritage of India, solidifying painting's position as the most cherished art form this year.

Sculpting, however, carved its niche too. Seven maestros from the list moulded materials into three-dimensional wonders, each telling tales of innovation, tradition, and passion. Leading the brigade was the renowned British-Indian sculptor, Anish Kapoor, whose monumental works never cease to fascinate.

The year's preferences reveal the Indian art connoisseur's fondness for both the tactile depth of sculptures and the visual storytelling of paintings, showcasing a balanced palate of traditional and contemporary tastes.

Geographical Dominance in Indian Art:

The 2023 Art List reveals a geographic dance of dominance, a testament to the artistic pulses that beat across India. New Delhi, with its rich historical tapestry and cultural resonance, stands tall as the art capital of India. Fifteen of the list's luminaries hail from this city, making it the epicentre of contemporary Indian artistry. Their works not only reflect the city's intricate past but also its vibrant, cosmopolitan present.

Mumbai, often termed the 'city of dreams', follows closely with ten artists. Their creations mirror the city's dynamic spirit, blending tradition with modernity.

Interestingly, the global appeal of Indian art is evident, as nine artists from the list have chosen homes beyond Indian shores. Their international presence amplifies the universal resonance of Indian art, bridging cultures and dialogues.

Even though certain cities dominate, the heart of Indian art beats ubiquitously, echoing tales from every corner.

The Final Word:

The India Art List 2023, meticulously curated by the Hurun Research Institute, offers more than just rankings—it paints a vibrant tapestry of India's ever-evolving art scene. As the list unravels the genius of living artists, from seasoned stalwarts to promising newcomers, it's evident that Indian artistry is in a golden era. These creators, irrespective of their medium or origin, collectively underscore India's position on the global art stage. In this dance of colours, forms, and expressions, the future of Indian art looks luminous, poised for greater heights and broader horizons.