Page 26 - M F Husain The Eternal Master
P. 26
Husain with family and friends Husain (centre) among friends. From left to right: Bal Chhabda, Farhad Jamal
and Owais Husain
obscurity into the limelight of the Indian art scene. His first
solo exhibition in Bombay in 1950 was a significant milestone,
followed by another show exploring rural life in Calcutta,
which was met with severe criticism. This was followed
by another exhibition in Delhi, which was successful and
helped Husain’s career gain momentum.
In 1951, his art was also exhibited in Paris at the Salon
de Mal, and two years later, he participated in the prestigious
Venice Biennale. In 1955, Husain was honoured with the
National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi. The same year, The artist with Queen Elizabeth II, during his exhibition
he showcased his work in Brazil at the São Paulo Biennale
and won an award at the Tokyo Biennale.
By the end of the 1950s, Husain had established himself
as a major artist, both in India and on the global stage. His
background character seemingly disconnected from the minimal emphasis on the social environment and natural confidence in his skill and vision was unwavering, and he
rest. The painting’s effect was one of solidity punctuated by surroundings. Nature rarely featured in his works during was prepared to embrace the urban world with the same
mystery, conveying togetherness without communication. this period, with a few exceptions, such as his paintings of fervour he had demonstrated in his depictions of rural India.
(Years later, in 2000, he would paint another work with the Kerala in 1967. Nonetheless, during a visit to Prague in 1956, Movement, balance, and strong, rhythmic lines became
same title.) Husain indulged in landscapes and cityscapes, showcasing the defining elements of Husain’s artistic expression. These
During the 1950s and 1960s, Husain’s aesthetic his continued fondness for this genre. features brought life and energy to his works, and they would
predominantly revolved around the human figure, with The 1950s marked Husain’s emergence from relative continue to play a significant role in his evolving artistic style. Husain with industrialist Lakshmi Mittal, Mrs. Usha Mittal and Yogesh Mehta
24 25
