DAG celebrates M. F. Husain, India’s foremost modernist

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Following the prelude Master Maqbool in Mumbai in 2022, DAG has announced the opening of Husain: The Timeless Modernist, an exhibition that celebrates the legacy of India’s foremost modernist, Maqbool Fida Husain (Oct.26 — Dec.7). Spanning almost six decades of his practice across the key themes that dominated his work, Husain: The Timeless Modernist features a collection that translates all phases of Husain’s artistic journey, from the 1950s to the 2000s, reflecting on his everlasting impact on the world of art. DAG, started in New Delhi in 1993 by Rama Anand, is currently managed by her son, Ashish Anand.

The exhibition brings together 116 works including depictions of women as mythological, historical and everyday beings; his fascination with horses, rooted in childhood experiences and observations of India’s culturally diverse practices; drawings and paintings that explore the idea of nationhood; and portraits and self-portraits that reflect his larger-than-life social persona. Toys and sculptures, acrylic sheets used as props for his film sets, a rare edition of photographs taken in Madras titled “Culture of the Streets”, along with distinctive paintings from different periods of his practice, round off the show.

Invocation of Peace by M. F. Husain.

Archival material in the exhibition include his poetry manuscripts from the late 1950s, which attest to his engagement with language and poetry, as well as exhibition invitations, photographs and preparatory drawings. Speaking about the exhibition, Ashish Anand, DAG CEO & MD, said that “Husain’s larger-than-life persona was matched by the deep relationships he formed throughout his career. His approachability and accessibility made him a much-loved figure, not just among art connoisseurs but also the common man — all of whom shared an interest in his life as much as in his art. His eccentricities — such as walking barefoot, live painting performances at classical concerts, his practice of painting in homes he visited, hotels he stayed at, restaurants he ate in — added to his unique and charismatic personality.

“However, despite his profound contributions to Indian art and culture, he faced significant adversity towards the end of his life. Persistent threats from some groups forced him into self-exile, and he yearned to return to his homeland. DAG has been waiting a long time to dedicate a comprehensive exhibition to the legendary Husain - and with this we have honoured our pledge.” The accompanying publication presents perspectives on Husain through essays by scholars and historians.

Untitled work (Keehn Family Portrait).

Dr. Rakhee Balaram provides an overview of Husain’s work, exploring the influence of geometry on his creations. Balaram shows how his oeuvre was shaped by his upbringing, the cultural syncretism he observed around him, and his constant experimentation with material choices. Dr. Sumathi Ramaswamy focusses on Husain’s works on Mahatma Gandhi, unpacking the artist’s vision of the nation-state, and his reverence for the Mahatma and his nonviolent quest for India’s freedom. Ina Puri gives a personal touch, sharing her relationship with Husain and his connection to her home city, Kolkata.

The exhibition has been divided into six sections. Idea of a Nation can be seen as Husain’s love letter to the nation, with his paintings serving as a visual translation of Indian history and cultures. Husain captured India’s colours, myths, symbols, rhymes and rhythms in expressive lines and cubist forms. Deciphering Desire looks at women from all walks of life, who took on the role of Husain’s muse. Whether it was his late mother draped in a Maharashtrian saree, figures from mythology, those drawn from his interest in Gupta and Khajuraho sculptures, public figures like Mother Teresa or movie stars like Madhuri Dixit — all were founts of artistic inspiration for him.

M. F. Husain strikes a confident pose.

In Freedom of Form, his Poetry Manuscripts, which also include his line drawings written in the 1950s in Bombay and London, are a testament to the power of his words and lines. Cinema, too, was a significant part of Husain’s life.

From starting his artistic journey painting Bollywood billboards in Bombay to making award-winning documentaries and popular feature films, Husain’s art was steeped in the language of cinema.

Equine Elegance shows how horses captured his imagination from a young age — whether the farrier whose workshop he frequented, the papiermache Duldul of Muharram processions he witnessed as a child or the paintings of Chinese masters Qi Baishi and Xu Beihong - his lifelong fascination was an ode to their grace and power.

In Conversations and Connections, Husain’s exploration of portraiture is a testimonial to his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether well-recognised national icons or in the form of personal connections. Alongside, his self-portraits mirrored his identity as an artist, documenting the various emotional and creative phases of his life.

Untitled work by M. F. Husain (Gandhi).

Monochrome Musings reflect his spontaneity and versatility as an artist. He was known for creating quick sketches on any available surface that was at hand, from restaurant tabletops and napkins, to margins of newspapers, capturing moments, people and places with immediacy and fluidity.

DAG is one of India’s leading art companies, with a comprehensive collection starting from the eighteenth century onwards. A focus on important but perhaps neglected artists; documentation of art movements and collectives; participation in international art fairs; collaborations with museums and cultural institutions in India and abroad; a rigorous publishing calendar; an impressive library of books that document Indian art history; a museum programme that engages the public, democratising outreach; and commissions, videos and films in relation to artists and their work, are some of its essential features.