Art fraternity in city remembers Husain

The art fraternity in Pune expressed shock at the demise of celebrated artist MF Husain on Thursday. Husain would visit Pune and spend weekends in the city. His last trip to the city was in 2005. Artist Raju Sutar,an associate of Husain,said,“I was a student when I first got to interact with him. In fact,he was one of those who inspired me to become an artist. I used to make frames and once he wanted a frame. That is when we came to know each other. His approach to art was unique. He reinterpreted Indian culture and art.” The painter who had to go into exile after 2006 had regarded Pune as his ‘second home’.

Artist Sujata Dharap,artist,who has followed his work from a long time,“What I marveled at was seeing a hoarding painter become a name that the world recognised. I admired his boldness and the way he interpreted his work. Even at 94,he worked hard and lived an artist’s life in its full glory. A life well-spent.” For artist Ketki Pimplekhare too,who has worked in multiple mediums,Husain’s work was an inspiration. “He would express himself in different mediums,including films,and that reaffirmed a few things artists need to do. Husain was brave with regard to his work and the Indian government should have supported him.”

Post exile,Husain shuttled between London and Dubai.

“His work reached around the world and he was the only artist who has painted so many people alive in the mind of so many collectors. His passion reflected in his prolific work,” said painter Madhuri Bhaduri.