Bonhams being amongst the world’s largest and expanding auctioneer of fine arts and antiques was founded and established in 1793 in the United Kingdom by Thomas Dodd, a dealer and print expert. Maintaining a specialist focus on the fine arts, ceramics and contemporary art, it is also the foremost auction house in Pakistani art and embraces records for the sales of most modern Pakistani artists compared to any other auction house.

In 2007, it opened an office in Dubai. As part of this expansion, the institution held its first sale of modern and contemporary Arab, Pakistani, Indian and Iranian art in March 2008. This sale broke 33 world records including that of Gulgee’s piece titled, ‘Polo player’ which sold for over $336,000. This expresses the escalation and appreciation for the country’s artists especially by international buyers who explore and pursue art from this region.

For the first time, Bonhams has selected a convincing collection of work by leading and prominent South Asian artists in their annual summer sale of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art on June 7 on New Bond Street in London. The head of the Middle East and South Asian Art Department (Modern and Contemporary), Mehreen Rizvi clarifies the artists selected are renowned Pakistani, Indian and Sri Lankan artists such as M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, Sadequain, Jamil Naqsh, A.R. Chughtai and Ustad Allah Buksh. These have come from private collections within Europe and the US.

Besides the masters, contemporary artists such as Faiza Butt, Khadim Ali and Anwar Saeed are also represented. A remarkable circumstance is that due to the international revelation and exposure of Pakistani artists abroad, gallery shows and biennales have allowed younger Pakistani artists in showcasing their work, such as, at art fairs like Art Dubai and the International Hong Kong Art Fair. For this to happen, appreciation in the country of origin plays an important role.

Unfortunately, Pakistan does not have public establishments or publications on the masters that would emphasize solely on art and the promotion of art and art history. According to Rizvi, having a broader collector base (which is close to non-existent in Pakistan) is extremely imperative too. The only choice left is to exhibit abroad where one is respected in terms of being an artist and can do well. Chughtai and Sadequain especially are high in demand, as buyers from the international market wait for an original to come forth in the market where bids of an extraordinary level are placed to purchase a painting or two.

One can say without hesitation that the eminence of art from Pakistan can be placed side by side with any piece from an international artist. The works being held at the auction vary in theme and composition, ranging from societal and political change to traditional Indo-Pakistani (traditional Mughal paintings) and blissful yet romantic scenes. These are the themes which set Pakistani artists apart from the rest.

The deficiency of support from local organisations, galleries and buyers or collectors is very problematic and a challenge to counter. In order to promote and sponsor our art and heritage, appreciating and valuing it is a first big step to follow.