The recent withdrawal of four artworks from a Christie’s auction has sparked questions about the authenticity of pieces exhibited in Painting Freedom: Indian Modernism and its Rebels at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas). The withdrawal highlighted ongoing concerns about potential ‘forgeries’ in Indian art, especially related to works by prominent figures such as the Tagore brothers and Hemen Mazumdar. 85% of the show’s pieces belong to Kolkata-born collector Nirmalya Kumar, but experts including British academic Charles Greig and Hemen Mazumdar’s grand-nephew have raised significant doubts about the authenticity of numerous displayed items. Greig indicates that many works are poorly executed copies, particularly those attributed to Mazumdar, while Samendranath Mazumdar identifies discrepancies in how his uncle signed his artwork. Despite these claims, Kumar defends his collection and insists that many artists replicated their popular works. Curators at Soas acknowledge the authenticity debate surrounding some pieces, but continue to invite further research. Experts call for rigorous verification given the high stakes in the Indian modern art market, which has seen rising prices and increasing incidents of forgery.

The exhibition Painting Freedom: Indian Modernism and its Rebels showcases Indian Modern art, featuring key figures like Jamini Roy and Hemen Mazumdar. The credibility of the works has become contentious after Christie’s auction house withdrew some pieces for ‘further research’. Concerns over authenticity are not new in Indian art, particularly as the market heats up, raising the stakes for collectors and institutions alike. Nirmalya Kumar’s extensive collection adds interest, but also scrutiny, as authenticity doubts mount against many exhibited works.

The situation surrounding the Soas exhibition raises serious concerns about the authenticity of Indian artworks. Expert opinions point to numerous potential copies being displayed, particularly focusing on key artists such as Hemen Mazumdar. While the exhibition aims to shed light on Indian Modernism, it also highlights the need for rigorous verification practices in an art market prone to forgery due to soaring valuations. Stakeholders stress the importance of thorough provenance checks and encourage ongoing research into the authenticity of artworks.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

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