Symphony of Colours: Exploring the Iconic Artistry of M.F. Husain
Maqbool Fida Husain, or M.F. Husain, is recognised as the most renowned painter in the history of India. Born in 1915 in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, Husain belonged to a working-class family. Known for its rich symbolism, his canvases exude a unique Indianness with a blend of modernism. The subject matter of his narrative paintings includes popular culture, history, and mythology. MF Husain has met serious threats from religious fundamentalists in India who thought a few of his works to be objectionable, which drove him to seek exile. His love for Indian art led him to form the most famous art movement in India, the Progressive Art Movement. The PAG questioned the aesthetics and inclination towards the Western styles and, as a response to this, formed a group encompassing artists of diverse styles, blending the Indian and Western elements.
Who is MF Husain?
Hailing from a humble background, MF Husain moved to Mumbai when he was seventeen and slept on the streets while looking for work. His fondness for movies got him a job as a painter of billboards for Hindi films. Working with large brushes on huge canvases during this time subsequently became a trademark for Husain. Husain made his entry into the art field in Mumbai during the 1940s, a time when the art scene was somewhat small. Figures like F.N. Souza and S.H. Raza towered the scene then, and it was Souza who discovered the young, talented Husain. Hussain joined them in the formation of the Progressive Art Group, a collective of artists who aimed at creating modernist Indian art that is internationally relevant.
Inspired by the Dutch masters, MF Husain was profoundly interested in creating portraits in his early ages. However, it was his unique rendition of ordinary life that distinguished him from his contemporaries. By the 1970s, Husain had risen to stardom, showcasing alongside artists like Picasso. His deep fascination with Indian themes not only drove him to international fame but also created a massive international market for contemporary Indian art.
MF Husain Paintings: Subject Matter
Husain lost his mother at an early age, which sparked preoccupation with the female form, a theme that is vividly reflected in MF Hussain’s famous paintings of goddesses, epic figures, or erotic muses. These works symbolize the unlimited Shakti or power associated with women in Hindu beliefs.
Galloping Horses
As a little boy, Husain used to witness the annual Muharram procession in his village. He was deeply inspired by the Duldul horses made out of paper and bamboo, symbolising the horse of Hazrat Husain. The procession includes tazias representing the tomb of Hazrat Imam Husain, grandson of prophet Mohamed. These spectacles sparked his imagination and became the core inspiration in his pursuit to portray the form. Arguably one of his significant motifs, the horses have become essential to Husain's oeuvre. Galloping towards the horizon, his horses are shown with bold lines and vibrant colours, encompassing the wild. They exude a sense of movement and energy that gives the composition a dynamic quality.
Depiction of Women:
Women appeared in his canvases throughout his artistic journey; among them, the most popular series is the "Mother Teresa". Having lost his mother, Husain tried to fill the void through his paintings. He was moved by the compassion and love that Mother Teresa shared with the deprived and unfortunate children, and he first painted Mother in the 1980s. With skilled artistry, Hussain portrayed the essence of her spiritual eminence. Wearing a white drape with a blue border, he depicts her maternal virtuosity and captures the aura of this extraordinary figure.
Enamoured by the spirit of Indira Gandhi, he also created the jubilant 'Portrait of a Girl' in 1959. Over a long period, Hussain revisited and recreated Mother in multiple ways, perfectly capturing her aura. His adoration for the female form made him paint the vibrant movements of Kathak dancers and portrayals of movie actresses.
Three Dynasties:
Interested in traditional Indian mythologies, Husain's civilisation series embarked with the dynamic portrayal of Ganesha. He depicted the ancient Mauryan civilisations, the Muslim Mughal dynasty, and the British Raj. These diverse canvases act as playful yet satirical commentaries on the social, political, and monetary realities of life in India. Through his portrayal of the colonisers, Maharajas, queens, bureaucrats and invisible servants, MF Husain highlights the contrasts and sheds light on the colonial past of India.
Secularism:
The subject matter of MF Hussain paintings involves secularism rooted in India's cultural diversity. Husain has devoted a significant portion of his artworks to multiple themes related to religion and faith, culminating in his "Theorama" series. The series includes ten paintings on huge panels portraying the spirit of world religions, including Vedic, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, etc. His masterful style evidently captures the essence of all faiths with immense reverence. Through this series, Husain transcends the boundaries and incorporates the rich spiritual nature of religions and the diversities of Indian heritage.
Ragamala Paintings:
MF Husain best paintings include the "Ragamala" series where he pays tribute to the traditional Indian artforms, like the miniature paintings, focusing on the concept of Rasa. Husain's oeuvre, influenced by his deep research into the interdisciplinary nature of dance, music, sculpture, and films, is a celebration of the vast cultural heritage and classical arts of India. Husain's paintings vividly captured the interconnected nature of art in India, be it the intricate lines depicting the sensual rhythm of a Kathak dancer or the moving fingers of a Sitar player. Each painting in this series is a visual symphony of the traditional Indian arts.
Films:
Besides creating a vast body of work, Husain has directed three films; the first of these, Through the eyes of a painter (1967) received the Golden Bear short film award at the Berlin International Film Festival. He also made Gaja Gamini (2000) and Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities (2004) revolve around powerful female protagonists.
During his long artistic career, Husain received the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (1955), the Padma Shri (1966), and the Padma Vibhushan (1991). MF Hussain's paintings are a testament to his reverence and unwavering passion for the Indian arts and culture and his commitment to preserving India's rich heritage, which continues to inspire generations.
Also Read:10 Beautiful Traditional Indian Art Forms You Must Know About
FAQs:
1. What are the most famous paintings of MF Husain?
MF Husain created multiple iconic paintings which include Mother Teresa, Battle of Ganga and Jamuna, Ragamala Paintings, Gaja Gamini, Theorama, and the Mahabharata series.
2. What are the awards MF Husain received?
Hussain received numerous accolades, including the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (1955), the Padma Shri (1966), and the Padma Vibhushan (1991).
3. What makes MF Husain paintings so famous?
Husain’s paintings are a unique blend of Western aesthetics and Indian folk-art traditions. His use of bold colours and Indian themes resonates with both Indian and international audiences.
4. What is the significant contribution of MF Husain to the world of art?
MF Hussain played a significant role in promoting and moulding modern Indian art. He has received worldwide recognition through exhibitions and biennales. Hussain’s vast oeuvre encompasses paintings, drawings, prints, and even films, which were appreciated for cultural depth and artistic innovation.
5. Controversial Paintings and Artworks of M.F. Husain?
M.F. Husain’s career was marked by a number of controversial artworks which included the portrayal of Hindu deities like Saraswati, Durga, Hanuman. His nude paintings also stirred controversy, especially the Bharat Mata, where he depicted India as a nude woman.
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