Maqbool Fida Husain, one of the highest paid artists in India, has died. Hasain passed away of cardiac arrest Thursday at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. He checked in to the hospital after fluid in his lungs caused him to have trouble breathing. He was 95.
Husain was known as the Picasso of India for his Indian folklore-inspired work. He was part of the Progressive Artists’ Group in the 40s. Husain’s liberal take on art was controversial and often condemned. He received numerous death threats and many of his art exhibitions were vandalized. The violence prompted Husain to live in self-imposed exile in Dubai.
The president and vice president of India have already released statements on Husain’s death. “He was a world renowned artist whose extraordinary style made him a celebrity in his own right in the arena of contemporary paintings. His death would create a deep void in the world of art and creativity. He also brought glory to the house as a Parliamentarian,” said President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
“Besides his enormous achievements in painting and other art forms, M.F. Husain was a keen observer of our national evolution which was reflected in his art. He will always be remembered for his love of India that was reflected in his paintings,” said Vice President M Hamid Ansari.
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