The Life and Legacy of M. F. Hussain

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All forms of art are born from one’s roots. – M.F. Husain.

Maqbool Fida Husain, better known as M.F. Husain, master of Indian Modern Art, stands tall as one of its most iconic figures. Celebrated for his bold brushwork, vivid colours, and often controversial yet deeply rooted themes, Husain’s influence transcends generations. Dubbed the “Picasso of India” by Forbes, Husain left an indelible mark not just on Indian art but on global culture.

As we look ahead to the Giftex Modern and Contemporary Art Auction in May 2025, where several of Husain’s works will be featured, it’s the perfect time to revisit his life, his art, and the legacy he left behind.

M.F. Husain Biography

Often referred to as an artist of the people, Maqbool Fida Husain (1913–2011) rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most celebrated modernist painters. M.F. Husain was born in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, during British-ruled India.

A self-taught artist, Husain’s early passion for drawing developed without formal instruction. To support himself, he took on work painting cinema hoardings, billboard advertisements, and wooden toys on the streets of Mumbai. 

In 1935, he joined Sir J.J. School of Art, one of the few formal art institutions in India at the time. His time there exposed him to both classical Indian art traditions and Western modernist movements.

Following India’s independence, in an era defined by democratic ideals and the spirit of nation-building, Husain became a leading voice in the search for a new, distinctly Indian modernism. His art rejected colonial conventions and academic realism, instead embracing a bold, expressive language that merged tradition with innovation.

Founding the Progressive Artists’ Group

Post-independence India was a nation searching for its identity, and Husain was one of the visionaries who helped define its visual language. In 1947, he became a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG), alongside F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, and others. The group sought to break away from colonial and classical styles, pushing for a modern, Indian voice in art.

This was a turning point—not just in Husain’s career, but in Indian art history. His works started gaining traction in exhibitions at home and abroad, marking the beginning of his rise to international acclaim.

Distinctive Painting Style

Husain’s style is unmistakable—fluid lines, vibrant colours, and semi-abstract figures that are immediately recognizable. He often painted in series, exploring subjects across multiple canvases in a manner that echoed cinematic storytelling. His thematic scope was vast, ranging from mythology and history to politics, cinema, and the female form.

He returned time and again to his roots, drawing deeply from folk, tribal, and mythological art to craft a visual language that felt both timeless and urgent. This fusion allowed him to create vibrantly contemporary, living art forms—works that spoke to tradition while pushing the boundaries of modernity.

Part of Husain’s meteoric rise as a public figure stemmed not just from his themes but from his charismatic style and presentation. Barefoot, often seen with a brush in hand, he carried the persona of a nomadic visionary, embodying the very spirit of the art he created.

Credit sources: Art History School

Themes and Inspirations

One of Husain’s great strengths was his ability to draw from India’s diverse cultural and spiritual landscape. He was fascinated by:

Indian mythology – He painted iconic figures like Ganesha, Durga, and Saraswati in ways that made them feel accessible and contemporary.

Motherhood and femininity are often portrayed as nurturing, powerful, and sacred.

Major Awards and Honors Received by M.F. Husain

1. Padma Shri (1966)

One of India’s highest civilian honours, awarded for his significant contribution to the arts and for bringing modern Indian painting to the global stage.

2. Padma Bhushan (1973)

In recognition of his continued excellence and influence in the visual arts, Husain was elevated to receive this third-highest civilian award.

3. Padma Vibhushan (1991)

India’s second-highest civilian award acknowledged Husain’s immense legacy in shaping Indian modern art and his global impact as a cultural ambassador.

4. Golden Bear Nomination, Berlin International Film Festival (1967)

Husain directed the experimental film “Through the Eyes of a Painter,” which was nominated at the Berlin Film Festival and won the Golden Bear for Short Film, showing his versatility beyond painting.

5. Raja Ravi Varma Award (2007)

Presented by the Government of Kerala, this award recognized his mastery and lifetime contribution to Indian visual arts.

Modern and Contemporary Art Auction

This year’s Giftex Modern and Contemporary Art Auction, scheduled for May 2025, is a major highlight for collectors and enthusiasts. The auction will feature works by eminent artists such as F.N. Souza, T. Vaikuntam, and more. Among the star attractions are a series of works by M.F. Husain, spanning different periods of his career.

The event offers not just an opportunity to acquire a Husain masterpiece but also to engage with a legacy that helped shape the story of Indian modern art.

Top M.F. Husain Paintings Featured at the Auction

1. “Three Faces” (1986, Oil Pastel & Marker on Paper)

This untitled artwork features three overlapping male faces, rendered in bold, expressive strokes typical of Husain’s style. Each face is painted in a distinct colour palette of red, yellow, and blue, each painted with bold black outlines. It’s a study of identity and emotional nuance, reflecting Husain’s love for theatricality and psychological depth.

2. A portrait of a Bearded Man

Yet another untitled masterpiece, this minimal yet powerful portrait of a bearded man, this piece demonstrates Husain’s ability to evoke presence with the fewest strokes. The spiritual undertone and raw energy make it both meditative and striking.

3. Portrait of a Woman 

Rendered with loose, expressive brushwork, this portrait of a woman in grey, white, and black tones is an abstract piece. The absence of some of the facial detail contrasts with the emotional weight carried by the posture and shadow play.

These pieces aren’t just artworks—they’re windows into Husain’s mind and moments in Indian art history.

Legacy and Influence

Today, M.F. Husain’s works are part of major international collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Tate, the National Gallery of Modern Art (India), and countless private holdings. His influence continues to ripple through the art world, both in India and beyond.

Young artists cite him as a figure who showed that one could be modern without abandoning cultural roots. His courage in experimentation, his refusal to conform, and his emotional honesty remain guiding principles for many.

On A Concluding Note:-

M.F. Husain was more than a painter. He was a storyteller, a cultural bridge, and a provocateur. His life was a testament to how art, at its best, challenges, celebrates, and connects.

As the art world gears up for the Giftex Modern and Contemporary Art Auction, there’s no better time to celebrate his legacy. Whether you’re an investor, a collector, or simply someone who loves art, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Husain’s enduring genius.