M.F. Husain was the highest paid painter in India. His single canvases have fetched up to 2 million dollar at a Christie’s auction. In 2008, his “Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12” fetched 1.6 million dollar. It set a world record at Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art Sale. His film “Through the Eyes of a Painter” was shown at the Berlin film Festival. It won a golden Bear (Short Film). His name was included in the list of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world issued by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan.
Life of MF Husain:
M.F. Husain was born on September 17, 1915, at Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Since his childhood he was mainly a self taught artist. During his initial days he painted the cinema hoardings in Mumbai. He later built and designed toys in a toy factory. During his painting career Husain landed in controversy for painting the nude pictures of Hindu Goddesses. This invited the anger of the Hindu nationalist groups which invited violence against him. Criminal complaints were also filed against him. A non bailable warrant was issued against him after he failed to respond to summon. After leaving India he was desperate to come back to his country. Qatari nationality was conferred on him. He lived in Dubai and London after being forced to leave India in 2006.
Career of M.F. Husain:
Husain’s popularity spread in the 1940s. He joined the Progressive Artist’s Group in 1947. His first US exhibit was in 1964 at India House in New York. His first solo exhibition was held in Zurich in 1952. He was the inspiration of a whole generation of artists of the country. He created four museums to showcase his works. He was a special invitee along with Pablo Picasso at the Sao Paulo Biennial in 1971.
Husain was nominated to Rajya Sabha in 1986. Husain was the highest paid painter in India. His single canvases have fetched up to 2 million dollar at a Christie’s auction. The Peabody Essex Museum showed a solo exhibition exhibiting the paintings of Husain inspired by Hindu epic the Mahabharata. In 2008 his “Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12” fetched 1.6 million dollar. It set a world record at Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art Sale.
Husain landed in controversy for painting the nude pictures of Hindu Goddesses. He depicted the gods unclothed and often in sexually suggestive pose. This invited the anger of the Hindu nationalist groups which invited violence against him. Criminal complaints were also filed against him. His house was also attacked by mob. His painting of “Bharatmata” as a nude woman posed across a map of India with the names of Indian states on various parts of her body was also protested by the Hindu nationalists. The artist community was both supportive as well as against him during this time of the controversy. For the last part of his life he lived in Dubai and London. His work in Qatar was mostly towards the history of Indian civilization and the history of Arab civilization.
Husain has also produced and directed several movies. He made his first film in 1967. The film “Through the Eyes of a Painter” was shown at the Berlin film Festival. It won a golden Bear (Short Film). In his film “Gajagamini” Madhuri Dixit acted. The film was a tribute to the actor. Madhuri Dixit was his muse which was the subject of a series of his paintings which he signed Fida. His film “Meenaxi: A tale of Two Cities” had Tabu. The film was pulled out of cinemas when the Muslim organizations raised objections to one of its songs.
Death:
M.F. Husain died on June 9, 2011 at the age of 95 years following a heart attack. He died at London.
Awards and Recognition of M.F. Husain:
Husain was awarded the Padmashree by the government of India in 1955. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1973. The government of India awarded him with the Padma Vibhushan in 1991. His film “Through the Eyes of a Painter” was shown at the Berlin film Festival. It won a golden Bear (Short Film). His name was included in the list of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world issued by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan.
Words and Wishes:
Eminent personalities took to twitter and tributes poured in on social media instantly. Some of them were:
Madhuri Dixit
"I will fall short of words to express myself on this legend. He shared a very beautiful bond with me. I will always miss him. May his soul rest in peace"
Abhishek Bachchan
"Very sad to hear of the passing of M F Hussain saab. A wonderful person and a great artist. May his soul rest in peace."
Rajdeep Sardesai
"MF Husain RIP. True Genius. should say no more."
Alka Raghuvanshi
“In spite of his grey hair he was very young at heart and mind. Single-handedly he introduced India in the world map through his art work.”
Shashi Tharoor
“Deeply saddened by passing of M. F. Husain. Giant of Indian art and wonderful personality, creative till his last breath at 95. A grt loss for India”
Children: Owais Husain, Shafaat Husain, Raisa Husain, Mustafa Husain, Aqueela Husain
Grand Daughter: Mahera
** Please help us keep the Message Board clean and respectful. We take online abuse very seriously. Read the TERMS OF USE to avoid having your message deleted.
INDIAONLINE.IN
(FAN OF Mr. MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN)
We seek to promote lively discussion and debate. We believe that our users have the right to express themselves freely in a manner that is courteous and respectful of others' point of view and sensibility.
Repeated violations may lead to suspension and/or termination of your message posting privileges.
www.tributes.in takes abuse very seriously: We will co-operate fully with law enforcement, including disclosure of your user ID, IP address and messaging history.
Please review your message, you cannot delete/edit once it has been posted.
Give a Tribute to someone special and see how your family and friends react - it'll be priceless (trust us)!
Create a Tribute Page
Gregory C Brown (Follower)
Hello, I am a new follower of Your Fathers works, and have been searching for a way to get in touch with the family. I am writing to find out if there is an official catalogue raisonne of Master Maqbool Fida Husain's works out? If so, what is the title so that I can purchase a copy. You may find out about me by searching Greg C Brown ISA, and my professional profile page will come up. With my deepest regrets at the loss of your father, though now long ago, but also, with humble respect for. his talents, and opening my eyes to another form or art, thank you all. Sincerely, Greg.