The latest data on Indian sculptors by auction turnover reveals a market that is both top-heavy and incredibly diverse, where legendary names and Contemporary visionaries command prices that seem to reflect their impact on the art world.

A GLOBAL APPEAL
At the pinnacle of Contemporary sculpture stands Anish Kapoor, whose market dominance in 2025 was formidable. With a total auction turnover of ₹40.08 crore ($4.55 million) across 44 lots, Kapoor has found a loyal collector base and a global footprint. His work often blurs the line between art and architecture, and 2025 solidified his status as a blue-chip favourite. In an AstaGuru auction in May 2025, Kapoor’s untitled acrylic, plexiglass, and paint sculpture was a major talking point. This massive piece, measuring over 70 inches, sold for ₹4.66 crore ($529,545). The sale of this work illustrates the market’s appetite for pieces that manipulate perception and space, hallmarks of Kapoor’s international career.

Between January and December 2025, Indian art sold by the top auction companies achieved a total turnover of ₹2,391.52 crore ($271.76 million), with 2,257 total lots being offered. The sell-through rate was an impressive 96.54 per cent. This is a clear growth over FY 2024-25, which saw a total turnover of ₹1,500 crore ($170.45 million) for Indian art sold by top auction companies, with 2,575 total lots sold.

In FY 2024-25, India’s leading auction company AstaGuru was the powerhouse of the scene, accounting for 28.31 per cent of auction turnover with ₹424.63 crore ($48.25 million). In 2025 alone, its turnover reached ₹520.03 crore ($59.09 million) across 652 lots sold. AstaGuru’s December 2025 auction was a white-glove event, with all 87 lots sold. This included a 1977 oil on canvas by Tyeb Mehta, Untitled (Gesture), originally from the famed Chester and Davida Herwitz collection, which was sold for ₹53.54 crore ($6.08 million). The same auction also saw other Masters reinforce their legacies with impressive numbers: Jehangir Sabavala’s 1996 work Conspirators more than doubled its higher estimate to reach ₹12.14 crore ($1.38 million).

Krishen Khanna’s auction market is marked not only by strong values but also by a consistent rise in the number of works sold over the years. This steady increase in volume reflects a growing and sustained demand for his work across categories.

For decades, the art world’s narrative was told through a narrow lens, with female artists often categorised as exceptions to the rule rather than the rule itself. However, as we moved through 2025, that narrative saw a fundamental shift. The presence of women in the Indian art market is no longer just a conversation about representation, it’s a conversation about market leadership, financial dominance, and cultural permanence. The past year demonstrated that the female perspective is a cornerstone of the market’s stability, with women driving some of the most competitive bidding. At auction, the contributions of women artists, from distinguished Modernists to Contemporary figures, are being recognised with high interest.

From the vivid canvases of Arpana Caur to the intricate palette knife of Shraddha More, the market is moving to a consistent demand for Contemporary women artists. But if there’s a single figure who embodies the strength and prestige of the 2025 market, it remains Amrita Sher-Gil. Her legacy as a foundational figure of Indian Modern art has only grown. In 2025, Sher-Gil maintained her position at the very top of the auction hierarchy, achieving a total turnover of ₹37.52 crore ($4.26 million) from 25 lots sold. The year’s most significant highlight occurred during AstaGuru’s November 2025 auction—her masterpiece, Portrait of Mother, sold for ₹12.10 crore ($1.38 million). This sale served as a definitive testament to the deep-rooted strength of the Modern segment and confirmed that Sher-Gil remains a blue-chip standard. The consistent demand for her work across 25 different lots, be it canvas or paper, indicates her importance.

While some artists find success through high trading volume, the 2025 market also highlighted the value found in rarity. Arpita Singh is a prime example. Despite only six lots sold last year, her work generated a turnover of ₹17.25 crore ($1.96 million). This indicates high interest for her complex, narrative-heavy compositions. Following a similar trajectory of uniqueness is Nasreen Mohamedi. Known for her minimalist and deeply philosophical works, Mohamedi is perhaps the most exclusive female artist on the 2025 list.

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Krishen Khanna’s performance at auction over the past few years points to a steadily strengthening market, driven by sustained demand and a growing appreciation for his work. As one of the most sought-after living Masters, his auction turnover reflects both consistency and upward momentum.