M.F. Husain (1913-2011)

Born in 1913 in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, Husain’s early artistic journey was shaped by his self-taught practice, and his ambition to become a painter led him to move to Mumbai in 1937. Initially, he began his career by painting cinema hoardings and designing furniture and toys, while simultaneously nurturing a deeper engagement with painting. In 1947, he also co-founded the Progressive Artists’ Group with F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, K.H. Ara, H.A. Gade and S.K. Bakre.

Husain’s art drew profoundly from India’s cultural, folk, and mythological traditions, which he reimagined through a modernist lens. His canvases vibrantly bridged the past and present, depicting subjects ranging from deities and epic narratives of the Mahabharata and Ramayana to iconic contemporary figures such as Mother Teresa. This ability to capture the essence of Indian identity through bold lines, dynamic forms, and vivid colours distinguished his practice, making his work both accessible and revolutionary.

Over seven decades, Husain’s creativity extended beyond the canvas into film and design. His experimental feature Through the Eyes of a Painter (1967) won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival, while Gaja Gamini (2000) reflected his enduring exploration of feminine archetypes. His distinctive presence and fearless artistic inquiry made him one of the most recognisable figures in modern Indian art, celebrated both in India and internationally.

Throughout his career, Husain was honoured with numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan (1973) and the Padma Vibhushan (1991), two of India’s highest civilian awards. He exhibited widely across the world and remains a symbol of the global resonance of Indian modernism. 

Husain lived in his self-imposed exile from 2006 until his death. He passed away in London in 2011, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to define and inspire the discourse on modern Indian art.