Had M.F. Husain been alive, he would have turned 100 this September. As a tribute to one of India’s most recognised artists, Gallery Space kicked off 2015 with an exhibition showcasing a collection of serigraphs of paintings and photographs by Husain. Original works of internationally reputed artists like Husain are accessible to only those art collectors who have enormously huge pockets. For other who are passionate about art and cannot dole out huge sums, serigraphs are an alternative. Serigraphs or silk screen prints are normally brought out in limited edition in coordination with the artist and hence, collectors prefer to own serigraphs. Serigraphy is a printing process that involves passing layers of paint through a fine stencil. In some cases, once a few prints are made under the supervision of an artist, the stencil is discarded or destroyed so as to avoid mass production.
This exhibition features 35 serigraphs and 12 photographs, priced between Rs. 25000 and Rs. 2,50,000. The photographs by Husain capture the movie culture in erstwhile Chennai or Madras. Husain, who began his career by painting film posters in Mumbai, photographs a poster of a film starring Shivaji Ganesan and Sripriya, underneath which the wall bears a small poster announcing the celebration of 325 days of Maro Charitra at Saphire theatre. Husain also captures the changing dynamics of the Tamil film industry through posters of Maha Shakti and Soolam .
The serigraphs are that of Husain’s painting series of Ashta vinayak, Mother Teresa, horses and Gaja Gamini, among others. These serigraphs were sourced from personal collections of art collectors in Mumbai and other cities, apart from gallery owner Hanumantha Rao’s own collection.
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