An artist in exile

Photographs of M.F. Husain by Parthiv Shah.

Indian photographer Parthiv Shah's exhibition, featuring images of celebrated and controversial artist M.F. Husain, was on at National Art Gallery, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy recently. The exhibition was a part of the ongoing Chobi Mela V. Titled "Artist in Exile," the exhibit zoomed in on the hiatus of M.F. Husain from the Indian art scene.
It's common knowledge that Husain is one of the legendary painters in India and his works have created a new dimension in contemporary art. The artist moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) from Indore in his early days and earned his living by painting cinema hoardings. Husain emerged as a painter in the '40s and was associated with the historic "Progressive Artists Group." He is fondly known as the "Picasso of India." As a figurative painter, his prime concern is the human form. Struggle, war, famine, bliss, peace and various socio-economic issues are subjects of his works. His canvases are always large, apt for delineating his larger than life desires.
In the 1990s, some of Husain's works earned much controversy because of their depictions of a Hindu goddess in the nude. This resulted in attacks by Hindu fundamentalist groups in 1998. The photographer Parthiv has closely observed the developing situation and recorded the incidents. The photographs are black and white, and the images articulate an emotional attachment.
In 2006, a series of cases were brought against Husain and he felt compelled to move out of India. Husain now lives in Dubai and London. But his love for his motherland has never waned. He wants to be free from this imposed exile and yearns to return to India.
Parthiv has focused on the various episodes of Husain's life. A number of photographs capture the artist's agony and longing.