The Passing of One of India's Great Artists

Maqbool Fida Husain better known as MF Husain, was one of the great artists in the world. There are more than 60,000 paintings to his credit. He was born in a traditional Muslim family in British India in 1915.

During his childhood itself he had a passion for art and his father was very supportive. In 1935, Husain joined J.J.School of Arts in Mumbai. Before being recognized in the late 1940s, he had a tough time in Mumbai when he struggled financially. His first painting exhibition was held at Bombay Art Society in the year 1947.

Many successful exhibitions were held in Europe as well as America. He also tried his luck in the film industry. It was an honor for him that his first film Through the eyes of a painter earned the Golden Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Some of his paintings in which he depicted nude portraits of Hindu gods and goddesses brought up many controversies. Later in 2004, some Muslim organizations were against him as he used certain words from the Holy Quran in one of his films.

Again there arose objections against him as he painted Mother India as a nude woman. He apologized and went to live in exile to Dubai. After some years he got Qatar citizenship. He was honored with much recognition in India and his paintings were sold out for huge amounts. On June 9, 2011 he passed away at the Royal Brompton hospital in London.

Vishu Shaktar
June 2011

For Drawing Pencil Sketches