He was given many epithets during his lifetime, "Picasso of India" being the most popular one. Believed to be one of the key architects of India's Modernist movement, M F Husain was known as much for his art as for his flamboyant gestures and quirks, for the controversies he courted and for the astronomical prices that his works commanded. On his 100th birth centenary, Neha Kirpal, founder and director, India Art Fair, speaks to Avantika Bhuyan about the brilliant brand marketer that Husain was and his relevance to art enthusiasts, four years after his death
It is believed that Husain played a central role in shaping India's Modernist movement and making it relevant on an international platform. What was his global appeal?
At a recent auction, I had an interesting conversation with someone about the fact that the value of most artists is recognised after their death. However, Husain sahab was that rare painter who was celebrated during his lifetime. Maybe it has to do with how alive and relevant he was to the socio-economic scenario of that time, and also with how India was looked at globally then. He created the most important art brand ever to come out of this country. It was not just because of his talent but it also had something to do with how he went about his life and the way he embraced controversy. He had an identity that shone through. Husain sahab was always his own creator and he recreated his image several times.
He continues to be relevant, years after his death, with collectors continuing to make a beeline for his work at auctions. Why is that?
There is something very iconic about his style of work. Maybe it has something to do with that it is so well documented and archived. People who might not have experienced his work directly have seen it written about and discussed on various forums. There has never been an alienation from his style of work. Even during the economic downturn, Husain sahab's works continued to command premium prices. He is the most obvious connect with art for most people. If someone wants to start on an art journey as a collector, he or she will start with Husain sahab's work.
His works continue to sell for a premium price: ranging from Rs 50 lakh or so to several crores.
Usually, there are certain works by certain artists from certain periods that do well while the majority don't. Husain sahab's works have always commanded a premium price. Even from the Progressives, his work has done very well and has great resale value. Again, it has something to do with his reputation - his works can be seen in collections of institutions and patrons, so everyone wants to acquire one of his paintings.
Many believe that his lifestyle - complete with the image of the barefoot artist and a man given to flamboyant gestures - contributed to his appeal.
As I said, he was certainly the best marketer in the art world. He created a certain brand and recall. It's a great study from that point of view as well. The way he lived, the choices he made, how he handled the media and criticism is all very telling. Husain sahab always generated an interest: people wanted to know more about him and his work.
But some of his detractors felt that this interest around his lifestyle took the focus away from his work.
I think this is extremely subjective. It can be commented on both ways. But I feel that one of the reasons why he has been a brand over the decades is because of the way he lived his life.
Any one interaction with him that you remember the most?
To me, the strongest interaction with him was during the time (2009-2010) when we were struggling to get his works at the Art Fair and were not getting any support or protection from the government. At that time his work was not getting a positive response in the country. (Right wing groups vandalised art galleries where his works were being shown and offered rewards for his death in protest against his nude depictions of Indian deities). I spoke to Husain sahab and I was amazed at his humility. He said: "Whatever is happening, let it happen. You are doing something significant to the art history of India. Focus on that. If my works are not there, the let it be." He was beyond all controversies. He knew what was his place in the art world and nothing else mattered. He owned himself as an individual, irrespective of opinions and controversies.
It is believed that Husain played a central role in shaping India's Modernist movement and making it relevant on an international platform. What was his global appeal?
At a recent auction, I had an interesting conversation with someone about the fact that the value of most artists is recognised after their death. However, Husain sahab was that rare painter who was celebrated during his lifetime. Maybe it has to do with how alive and relevant he was to the socio-economic scenario of that time, and also with how India was looked at globally then. He created the most important art brand ever to come out of this country. It was not just because of his talent but it also had something to do with how he went about his life and the way he embraced controversy. He had an identity that shone through. Husain sahab was always his own creator and he recreated his image several times.
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It is an interesting life story to reflect upon, and has lots of learnings: how an artist like Husain sahab can become global and yet remain intrinsically Indian.
He continues to be relevant, years after his death, with collectors continuing to make a beeline for his work at auctions. Why is that?
There is something very iconic about his style of work. Maybe it has something to do with that it is so well documented and archived. People who might not have experienced his work directly have seen it written about and discussed on various forums. There has never been an alienation from his style of work. Even during the economic downturn, Husain sahab's works continued to command premium prices. He is the most obvious connect with art for most people. If someone wants to start on an art journey as a collector, he or she will start with Husain sahab's work.
His works continue to sell for a premium price: ranging from Rs 50 lakh or so to several crores.
Usually, there are certain works by certain artists from certain periods that do well while the majority don't. Husain sahab's works have always commanded a premium price. Even from the Progressives, his work has done very well and has great resale value. Again, it has something to do with his reputation - his works can be seen in collections of institutions and patrons, so everyone wants to acquire one of his paintings.
Many believe that his lifestyle - complete with the image of the barefoot artist and a man given to flamboyant gestures - contributed to his appeal.
As I said, he was certainly the best marketer in the art world. He created a certain brand and recall. It's a great study from that point of view as well. The way he lived, the choices he made, how he handled the media and criticism is all very telling. Husain sahab always generated an interest: people wanted to know more about him and his work.
But some of his detractors felt that this interest around his lifestyle took the focus away from his work.
I think this is extremely subjective. It can be commented on both ways. But I feel that one of the reasons why he has been a brand over the decades is because of the way he lived his life.
Any one interaction with him that you remember the most?
To me, the strongest interaction with him was during the time (2009-2010) when we were struggling to get his works at the Art Fair and were not getting any support or protection from the government. At that time his work was not getting a positive response in the country. (Right wing groups vandalised art galleries where his works were being shown and offered rewards for his death in protest against his nude depictions of Indian deities). I spoke to Husain sahab and I was amazed at his humility. He said: "Whatever is happening, let it happen. You are doing something significant to the art history of India. Focus on that. If my works are not there, the let it be." He was beyond all controversies. He knew what was his place in the art world and nothing else mattered. He owned himself as an individual, irrespective of opinions and controversies.