MF Husain’s legacy preserved in Qatar's first dedicated museum
Qatar has officially unveiled the world’s first
museum dedicated to the iconic Indian modernist MF Husain, celebrating his
extraordinary artistic legacy through an immersive and interactive experience.
The museum, Lawh Wa Qalam, opened last
week at the Qatar Foundation’s Education City, a prominent global center for
research, education, and cultural exchange. The striking grey-blue façade of
the museum stands out on the Doha skyline, its shimmering tiles catching the
sunlight like a geometric sculpture. With a design that seems to lean forward,
the building mirrors the dynamic energy that characterized Husain’s work.
A Vision Realized
Spanning 3,000 square meters, Lawh Wa Qalam houses over 150 works by Husain,
including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, film footage, and personal
photographs. The exhibit offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the later years
of the artist’s life, particularly during his time in Qatar, where he found a
period of reflection and artistic rebirth.
Curator Noof Mohammed explained that Husain envisioned his museum as a space that felt personal, vibrant, and interactive. “We want visitors to experience the world as he did — with intimacy, playfulness, and reflection,” she said.
Read
More Qatar
to open M.F. Husain Museum in Doha
The museum’s layout is a labyrinth of
interactive galleries inspired by Husain’s own sketches, designed to immerse
visitors in his world. This approach offers an experience that invites people
to not only admire the artworks but to connect with them on a deeper level.
A Life of Creativity and Controversy
Known as “the Picasso of India,” MF Husain was
one of the most influential modernist artists of the 20th century. His bold
brushwork, mythological themes, and iconic depictions of horses have made him a
celebrated figure worldwide, with his works fetching millions at auctions.
However, his career was also marked by controversy. His provocative
representations of Hindu goddesses sparked outrage among hardline groups,
leading to his exile.
In his final years, Husain found refuge in
Qatar, where he was granted citizenship in 2010. It was in Qatar that he
entered a period of artistic renewal, drawing inspiration from Arab culture and
civilization.
“He was deeply engaged here, charmed and
inspired by Arab culture,” said Qatar-based artist Yousef Ahmad. “People often
forget that some of his most ambitious works were conceived in Qatar.”
Seeroo fi al ardh: The Masterpiece Returns
One of the museum’s key highlights is Seeroo fi al ardh (Walk in the Land), a
multimedia performance project that blends music, movement, and mechanical
installations. Husain envisioned it as a sweeping narrative about human
civilization and progress, and it consumed his final years of creative work.
The museum’s architecture itself was inspired
by a 2008 sketch by Husain, which was brought to life by Indian architect
Martand Khosla. “A sketch is an intent,” Khosla explained. “Translating that
intent into a functional space required creating an entirely new architectural
language.”
A Legacy Reframed
Husain’s later works delve into themes of Arab history, Islamic culture, and spirituality. One standout piece is The Battle of Badr, a large canvas that captures a key Islamic moment with vibrant energy and intense color.
Read
More National
Museum celebrates 50 years with exhibition paying tribute to Qatari people
Husain was commissioned to create 99 works for
Qatar, of which he completed 36 before his passing. The museum will rotate
these pieces periodically, ensuring that visitors experience different aspects
of his work over time.
“He had multiple identities simultaneously,”
Khosla observed. “That layering is what makes this project incredibly rich.”
Ultimately, the museum is not only a tribute to a monumental artist but also a celebration of his legacy in a global context. It bridges the cultural worlds of India, the Arab region, and the shared history of human civilization, presenting Husain as a connector of cultures and a visionary artist who transcended borders.
Source: https://bharatbarta.com/