M. F. Husain

From our review of "M.F. Husain: Early Masterpieces, 1950s-'70s" at Brown University:

Maqbool Fida Husain has long been known as one of the grand old men of Indian art. The New York Times refers to the 94-year-old as "India's most famous painter" and one of the "great Indian modernists." In recent years, his notoriety has taken a cruel twist as Hindu nationalists, offended by Husain's nude depictions of Hindu goddesses, have brought obscenity cases against him and attacked his home. The artist, a Muslim, took refuge in Dubai — though there is talk that things may have cooled enough that he is now considering returning home.

"M.F. Husain: Early Masterpieces, 1950s-'70s," at Brown University's Pembroke Hall, is a rare opportunity to see his early works, since modern and contemporary Indian art is still little exhibited in the United States. What you learn is that Husain may be a great man, but he's not a great artist.

Read the rest here.

"M.F. Husain: Early Masterpieces, 1950s-'70s," Brown University's Pembroke Hall, 172 Meeting Street, Providence, Feb. 5 to March 26, 2010.

Pictured from top to bottom: M. F. Husain, "Amusement in the Street," 1957. Oil on canvas; "Musicians," 1961. oil on canvas; detail of "Chariot of the Sun God." Oil and Chinese lacquer on canvas; all from the collection Amrita Jhaveri.