His paintings left an indelible impression on art-lovers; but few know about M.F. Husain ‘the photographer's delight'! The late artist was a rarity among the usually camera-shy tribe. Always nattily dressed, with myriad expressions flitting across his face, Husain was forever game to be a photographer's subject.
On the eve of his first death anniversary on June 9, curators Niyatee Shinde and Fawzan Husain along with Kalpana Shah of Tao Art Gallery pay a fitting tribute to Husain with a photo-exhibition. “Imaging a Legend” showcases photographs of Husain clicked by his friends, family members, colleagues and even professional photographers. Those who have contributed their images include masters like Atul Kasbekar, Sooni Taraporewala; artists like Bose Krishnammachari, Atul Dodiya; personalities like Pritish Nandy and others. It is interesting to see the great man in various avatars: celebrating his 95th birthday with fervour; painting the ceiling of his home; cooking rotis in the kitchen; dunking bun maska in chai at an Irani hotel... His joie de vivre and flamboyance are reflected in each photograph, presenting the viewers with a never-seen-before personal glimpse of the artist's life.
On how the idea originated, Niyatee says, “I was toying with ideas for a tribute to Husain saab and got talking with people who were associated with him over the years. This led to a discovery of a treasure-trove of photographs.”
Fawzan narrates how the artist hated tea from five-star hotels and his quirky sense of fashion. “Even when staying in plush hotels, Husain saab would sneak out to have chai in a tiny roadside shop. He was a simple man who loved to snack on chaklis, boondi ke laddoo and kachoris. He was a naturally debonair man with a flair for fashion. He sported chains as belts on his trousers and designed quirky satchels when nobody even thought of them. He was a loving family man who found joy in celebrating birthdays and other occasions with the entire family.”
Bottomline: Vignettes of a legend's moods and times.
Imaging A Legend
Where:Tao Art Gallery, Sarjan Plaza, Dr. A.B. Road, Worli, Mumbai.
When:Till June 24
