M.F. Husain (1915–2011) was one of India’s most iconic and internationally renowned modern artists. Born in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, Husain began his career painting cinema hoardings before studying at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. He rose to prominence in the 1940s as a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, which sought to break away from colonial academic traditions and usher in a modern Indian aesthetic.

Husain’s work is instantly recognizable for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and dynamic forms that often blend mythology, history, and contemporary themes. His recurring subjects include horses, Mother Teresa, Indian deities, and narratives from the epics—interpreted with a unique blend of modernist abstraction and folk sensibilities. Despite controversies surrounding some of his depictions of Hindu goddesses, his artistic legacy remains unmatched. Husain exhibited worldwide and received numerous honors, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. His contributions helped define Indian modern art on the global stage.