Parthiv Shah, India
Artist in Exile – M. F. Husain

M F Husain, born on September 17, 1915, in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, is one of India's best known artists. According to Forbes magazine, he has been called the "Picasso of India". In the 1990s, some of Husain's works became controversial because of their portrayal of Hindu deities in the nude. The paintings in question were created in 1970, but did not become an issue until 1996, when they were printed in Vichar Mimansa, a Hindi monthly magazine, which published them in an article headlined "M.F. Husain: A Painter or Butcher". In response, eight criminal complaints were filed against Husain, including complaints of "promoting enmity between different groups ... by painting Hindu goddesses — Durga and Sarswati — in an uncharitable manner hurting the sentiments of Hindus". The controversy escalated and in 1998, his house was attacked by Hindu groups like Bajrang Dal and his art works vandalized. The leadership of Shiv Sena endorsed the attack. Twenty-six Bajrang Dal activists were arrested by the police. Protests also led to the closure of an exhibition in London, England.

In February 2006, Husain was charged with “hurting sentiments of people” because of his paintings. A series of cases were brought against him and a court case related to the alleged obscene depiction of Hindu goddesses in issuing a non-bailable warrant against Husain after he failed to respond to summons. There were also reportedly death threats. The artist left the country stating that "matters are so legally complicated that I have been advised not to return home." Now living in Dubai and London, he continues to stay away from India, but has expressed a strong desire to return, despite fears that he may be arrested and tortured in connection with these cases.

The artistic community welcomed the Delhi High Court recent ruling that dismissed three criminal cases against Husain for the supposed crime of obscenity. The court has upheld the right to artistic creation and decisively quashed efforts at censorship. The court has importantly, held that there was no intent on the part of the artist to cause offence. Obscenity in this reading is in the eyes of the viewer. And a difference in perspective cannot be the basis of criminal charges.

I have been photographing Husain and his work for many years, I feel that Husain’s art is a part of a longstanding evolving tradition of Indian iconography and my photography work creates a dialogue with him and his work which extends to the audience.