MF Husain: 94th birthday sees him still in exile
Away from home--and yet at home
On September 17, the Indian art fraternity celebrated exiled artist MF Husain's 94th birthday on a large scale. Among the events held in New Delhi to observe this important landmark was a programme organised by the Jamia Millia Islamic University in association with Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT).
Over 100 eminent and emerging artists came together to pay tribute to the artist at the MF Husain Gallery, Jamia Millia Islamia, a book titled “For Husain at 94” will be sent to the artist, who at last report was dividing his time between Dubai and London.
Among the artists quoted by The Indian Express was Veer Munshi, who in his painting depicted Husain with the body of The Monkey God Hanuman, flying over a city. Said Munshi in explanation of his work, “Hanuman was strong and so is Husain. It takes strength to live in exile. The work projects the journey taken by Husain. He has moved across cities but continues to work with the same zeal.”. Talking about the objects shown in Husain's hand, he says, “The lantern often found place in his work and the brush of course is representative of art.”
Also on the cards was a screening of films by Husain, including Gaja Gamini which starred Husain's favourite muse Madhuri Dixit, Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities with Tabu in the central role, and Through the Eyes of a Painter, which won the Silver Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival.
Along with a talk, the latest book was to be released by Najeeb Jung, the vice chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia,
Why the exile?? A report by The New York Times ( November 8, 2008), states, “ Mr Husain is a Muslim who is fond of painting Hindu goddesses, sometimes portraying them nude.” This obsession, says the newspaper, sparked an angry cadre of Hindu nationalists to attack galleries that exhibited his works, and even offer a US $ 11 million reward for his head, accusing him of “promoting enmity” between faiths.
This high-handed treatment of Husain has raised important questions. On the one hand is an artist's freedom of expression and the cherished values that allow Indians to live successfully in a multicultural society. On the other is a narrow minded fanaticism that curtails an artist's creative expression.
Compiled by cultural correspondent.
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