The India Art Summit, a prestigious art fair that will kick-start on August 22 in Delhi will not be showcasing legendary artist M F Husain’s works.
The Indian Art Summit will not showcase the legendary artist’s works for ‘reasons of security’, reports Riddhi Doshi
The India Art Summit, a prestigious art fair that will kick-start on August 22 in Delhi will not be showcasing legendary artist M F Husain’s works. This three-day art fair, one of the first of its kind in the country will have 35 galleries from India (and abroad) showcasing works of renowned artists like FN Souza, SH Raza, Atul Dodiya and Baiju Parthan.
However, Husain’s canvases will not be shown for ‘reasons of security’. The earlier program circulated however did include Husain’s name in the list. Neha Kripal, associate director of the summit says, “For the first time such high valued art pieces are going to be displayed in public at the huge Pragati Maidan (Delhi). It is a logistical project. We were required to seek permissions to ensure that nothing goes wrong.” She adds, “The security of the people who will attend the summit is our responsibility. Hence, the decision of not showcasing Husain’s works. It is not a hidden fact—everybody knows that there is some sense of uncertainty attached to Husain in our country.”
Husain, who is aware of his works not being showcased says, “I know about it. The fact is there are eight cases in court against me. Even though I have got relief from some, the matter is still subjudice for me to talk about. I can totally understand the situation.”
Safdar Hashmi Memorial trust is protesting against the non-inclusion of Husain’s works. They will organise an exhibition that will just have images of Husain’s works during the same time of the summit.
Husain lives in voluntary exile to avoid prosecution over his ‘objectionable’ paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses.
d_riddhi@dnaindia.net
(With inputs from Shubha Shetty Saha)
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