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Journalism of Courage
A long-envisioned tribute to one of modern Indian art’s most iconic figures, MF Husain, is taking shape in Doha. On November 28, Qatar Foundation will inaugurate Lawh Wa Qalam: M.F. Husain Museum — a 3,000-square-metre institution dedicated to the life, work and legacy of the influential artist.
The museum’s permanent collection, which traces his artistic journey from the 1950s until his death in 2011, will span a range of media, including paintings, films, photography, tapestry, poetry, and installations. “It is an honour to present his work within a dedicated museum of this scale — a space where audiences can engage deeply with his life, his art, and his enduring global legacy. Conceived as a space for inspiration and creativity, Lawh Wa Qalam: MF Husain Museum reflects Qatar Foundation’s dedication to providing spaces for everyone to explore, enjoy, learn from, and be inspired by art and culture,” stated Kholoud M Al-Ali, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Programming, Qatar Foundation.
The country had become home to the artist after he left India on a self-imposed exile in 2006, following multiple death threats and years of defending lawsuits filed against him for allegedly offending religious sentiments with his nude depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses. He was also charged with insulting the motherland with a nude painting of Bharat Mata.
Shuttling between Dubai, London and Qatar during the years of self-imposed exile, Husain accepted Qatar’s offer to confer nationality upon him in 2010, after which he surrendered his Indian passport and became an Overseas Citizen of India.
The upcoming museum is based on a sketch by the artist himself, where he had shared his architectural vision of the institution, which he conceptualised as an artwork in itself, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of experimentation. The design featured a deep-blue structure with abstract interventions and a tall, white, minaret-like cylindrical tower. Signed by Husain, it also mentions the title ‘M.F. Husain Art and Cinema Museum’.
Kholoud M Al-Ali added, “Husain was one of the world’s most legendary modernists, an artist whose vision emerged from and resonated across different cultures, including here in Qatar, where he lived and practised during his life.”
Among the museum’s highlights will be works from a series of around 35 paintings inspired by Arab civilisation, commissioned to the artist by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.
Also on display will be ‘Seeroo fi al ardh’ (Travel Through the Earth), Husain’s final masterpiece that highlights the progress of humanity on land, in the air and at sea.
Conceived in 2009 by Husain, the installation was completed after his demise and unveiled in 2019 in Education City, Doha. “This museum will illustrate the power of creativity to inspire, educate, and foster the cross-cultural understanding that connects communities and worlds,” added Kholoud M Al-Ali.
