Maqbool Fida Husain, born on September 17, 1915, in Pandharpur, India, was one of the most celebrated Indian artists of the 20th century, renowned for his bold and vibrantly colored narrative paintings influenced by Cubism. A founding member of the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group, Husain explored diverse themes, from horses and urban landscapes to Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit and interpretations of Hindu mythology. His work often pushed cultural boundaries, blending irreverence and artistic innovation, which sparked both acclaim and controversy. Initially working as a painter of cinema posters and toy designer in Mumbai, Husain's exposure to Western art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and Henri Matisse during a 1953 trip to Europe, profoundly shaped his artistic vision. However, his interpretations of Hindu goddesses in the led to lawsuits and criticism, ultimately forcing him into self-imposed exile in 2006. Spending his final years between Qatar and the UK, Husain passed away on June 9, 2011, in London. Today, his works are celebrated in prominent institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai, and the National Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, cementing his legacy as an iconic figure in modern Indian art.
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