Page 22 - M F Husain The Eternal Master

on its journey of independence, Husain embarked on a beginning, and the world was about to witness the birth of a
parallel odyssey of artistic self-discovery. It was a time when
the boundaries of tradition were being pushed, and Husain
was at the forefront of this revolution.
Husain’s early years in Bombay were a testament to his
unwavering determination, his relentless pursuit of artistic
excellence, and the audacious belief that the pavement- The 1950s marked a pivotal decade in Husain’s career, during
dwelling youth from Pandharpur was destined to become
one of India’s most iconic painters. His journey was just
Mrs. and Mr. Husain
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fascinating evolution in his style, marked by a profound shift
creative genius whose brilliance would illuminate the world
of art, and who would emerge as a titan of modern art.
THE 1950s & BEYOND
which he explored a multitude of influences, both from
within India and beyond its borders. This period witnessed a
in subject matter, technique, and global artistic inspiration.
As the dust of partition settled, Husain was searching
for a way to express his national identity without resorting
to aggressive proclamations. He discovered his answers
in the simplicity of rural and tribal life. These humble,
unassuming people would become the dominant themes of
his artistic creations during the 1950s. The artist’s connection
to these people ran deep, and his work reflected a profound
admiration for their resilience and culture. During the 1950s,
Husain’s horizons expanded even further as he had the Husain with actor Dilip Kumar
opportunity to travel extensively outside India. In 1952, he
journeyed to China, where he met the Chinese artist Chi Pei
She, a man with 90 years of artistic wisdom. This encounter
provided Husain with a unique glimpse into Chinese artistry.
In 1953, he ventured to Europe, coming face to face
with European art, which had previously been limited to the
pages of books. His travels took him to France, Switzerland,
and Italy, where he had the privilege of viewing original
works by masters such as Emil Nolde, Paul Klee and early
Renaissance painters like Cimabue, Giotto, Masaccio,
and Uccello. Of all the artists he encountered, Husain was
particularly captivated by the work of Paul Klee.
Husain’s exposure to the works of Cezanne and Matisse Husain with actor Shah Rukh Khan
was also crucial. Cezanne’s emphasis on composition
and structure provided Husain with a fresh perspective,
while Matisse, who drew inspiration from Japanese prints,
deepened his appreciation for bold hues and the use of flat
colour areas to enhance expressiveness.
The encounter with Picasso, the reigning master of
modern art, was equally significant. Although Husain was
not drawn to Picasso’s vision, he recognized the new language
of modern art that Picasso had created. The distortion of
form in his work opened Husain’s eyes to immense creative
possibilities. However, it is essential to note that while Husain with actress Madhuri Dixit
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