A new exhibition, 'The Rooted Nomad' celebrates MF Husain's versatility as an artist, thinker, and writer

Maqbool Fida Husain may have possessed an itinerant spirit, but he remained deeply immersed in India. The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is honouring the legacy of one of the most influential and celebrated artists of India and South Asia with an exhibition titled The Rooted Nomad. This immersive showcase, held at Magazzini del Sale in Dorsoduro, Venice, coincides with the Venice Biennale’s theme of “Foreigners Everywhere”.

Born in 1915, in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, MF Husain was raised by his grandfather in Indore after he lost his mother. He drew inspiration from the city’s cultural richness. Despite lacking formal art education, Husain developed his artistic instincts, influenced by calligraphy and Bombay’s streets. His art fused Western modernism with Indian elements, bringing him global recognition. He travelled widely, but returned to India for inspiration. Despite controversies, MF Husain remained dedicated, earning accolades until his death in 2011.

The KNMA exhibition, designed by Visioni Srl, delves into the life and works of MF Husain, highlighting his international significance as India’s foremost modernist. It spotlights his journey, showcasing how his art resonated globally. 

Curated under the direction of KNMA’s Director and Chief Curator Roobina Karode, this exhibition celebrates MF Husain’s versatility as an artist, thinker, and writer. It presents a juxtaposition of his wooden toys, paintings, photographs, letters, film excerpts, collages, and poetry. These elements collectively shaped his vision of India as a rich and diverse ‘cultural mosaic’.

The Rooted Nomad is on view through November 2024.

All images: Visioni SRL, Rome and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art

Feature Image: Rendering detail of The Rooted Nomad by MF Husain

This article originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar India, 2024 May print issue

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