I REMEMBER this phase in and around the early 90s when the legend Maqbool Fida Husain (1913-2011) was derided for his voluminous repertoire as being creatively stunted. The genial founder of the Progressive Art Group won over his critics with his unparalleled strokes in the larger-than-life installation for Vijay Tendulkar’s play. Fourteen years posthumously on, we are not debating his mastery but our regression in embracing creative expression.
Husain Unlimited
MODERNIST M F Husain at the ripe age of 90 completed 25 out of the 100 works as part of Our Planet Called Earth series. These were commissioned in 2004 for INR 1 crore each, by Guru Swarup Srivastav’s corporate entity. The twist in the tale for the beleaguered genius continues posthumously.
The rare paintings go under the hammer on ANT June 12 under the theme “M F Husain: An Artist’s Vision of the XX Century” — to recover a loan default by Swarup Group of Industries. Pundole has been appointed as the auctioneer. Besides the envisioned line-up of artworks at Hamilton House, there is a video running, a personal touch of anecdotes from Dadiba and Khorshed, providing insights into the persona of the artist.
The vibrance of the works, the Gandhi depiction with the customary dove is striking. His unusual still life, almost a literary documentary of the XX C reflects on the polished floor, as if in homage to the supportive cradle of execution where this series was initiated. Ironically, the events from across the century during his lifespan have returned to roost as if to mark the circle of life.
Tholpavakuthu
I DILIGENTLY went back to school and dived into puppet-making in paper for 8-14-year-olds at Sarmaya. It took me to when I used to do a carefully selected story with a matching activity for kids. Tholpavakuthu as the hide version is known in Kerala, or Tholu Bommalaata, shadow-puppetry from Andhra Pradesh, brings kids to have hands-on learning of this ancient form of entertainment. The library is stocked with book gems on crafts and art that have been practised in India. All you need is a mind that allows learning.
The God Particle
THIS was a week of joining the dots to connect the science and artistic bent. From the 80th celebration of TIFR, Colaba spotlighting Dr Homi Bhabha’s Art Collection to the Book Launch of “The W Boson and Dr Ashutosh Kotwal’s Quest for the Unknown” at Jamshed Bhabha’s NCPA. Authored by Manik Kotwal and translated from Marathi by Jerry Pinto the powerful narrative blends science, personal journey and literary excellence.
Dr Ashutosh simplified the phenomenon of the fabled Big Bang theory and explained how our understanding of the unknown keeps evolving. This was preceded by a video of his mother advocating that parents encourage curiosity and a learning frame of mind in their children. The sky is really not the limit as Dr Ashutosh’s work with the W Boson exemplifies.
ANT
JUNE 12! It’s party time in Mumbai when art takes centerstage. Art Night is celebrated on the second Thursday of the month. All galleries have extended hours and hospitality. There are previews and the many on-view ones that beckon and draw a young crowd. Where really can you hop in and out of innovative spaces housing intriguing creators, creations, a vibrant community and genial gallerists who encourage curators to engage with multiple audiences?
TARQ’s solo show by Rithika Merchant gives way to myriad artists whom you can catch up with till August. But it is the new gallery — Subcontinent — that is on my radar that covers “Fifty Years of Magical Thinking” by various artists.
HEART OF WEST
WHILE SoBo seems to draw the young ones it is a quiet movement over decades that attracts the faithful to their cozy space in Khar. Gallery Pradarshak has witnessed generations in the world of visual art spend creative fulfilment through their colourful door. I recently witnessed an ingenious jugalbandi at their workshop on Momigami, the art of folding paper! Savitha Hira keeps the fount of themes and inspiration at the forefront in Indian heritage and traditional art styles through their open canvas. One such was a talk by Dr Anita Rane-Kothare providing insights on modern interpretations featuring Madhubani, Warli and Kalamkari.
To Make a Home With You
MIHIR Thakkar’s curation at Art+Charlie, Pali Village is a reflection of life as it is, an intrinsic part of the fabric of society. To tie it with one instrumental moving from acceptance to advocacy for queers not settling for the corner was the conversation. Parmesh Shahani’s Godrej culture innings over a decade till about 2019 attracted inclusive mindsets to verdant Vikroli. Prior to Covid he earned his string of academic accomplishments and dedicatedly brought out his immensely successful book “Queeristan.” Society that understands that acknowledging and accepting reality leads to a happier world.
Frederick Forsyth Passes On
EIGHTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD master of the geopolitical thriller authored books like “The Day of the Jackal” and “The Dogs of War,” often using material from his earlier life as a reporter and spy. His best-sellers were often turned into movies. For the love of thrillers, you live on Forsyth!
Of Finding the Lost
ONE of the patron saints that Goa and Goans all over the world keep busy is San Antonio. I did a pit stop to the saint who is known for finding lost things. The novena devotion culminates with the feast on June 13. Through the year the saint is venerated in Lisbon and his worldwide following distributes loaves of bread every Tuesday. My school, St Anthony’s at Chembur, began the new term on this day and we were often treated to ice-cream and other goodies. Boas Festas!