MF Husain-Journey in graphics at Galleri Kaya in Uttara

Under the title "M. F. Husain-Journey in Graphics", Galleri Kaya is going to organise the first ever solo graphic exhibition in Dhaka of legendary Indian painter Maqbool Fida Husain. The mega print exhibition will begin on January 24 at 6pm at the Galleri Kaya premises, Uttara in the city.
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor will jointly inaugurate the exhibition.
Ahead of the launching of the exhibition, Galleri Kaya arranged a press conference at the Daily Star Centre in the city yesterday. Goutam Chakraborty, director of Galleri Kaya, art critic Moinuddin Khaled, artists Ranjit Das, Jamal Ahmed and Marina Yasmin, head of press section, US Embassy in Dhaka were present at the press conference. The guests talked about the significance of MF Husain in the world of art and the attempt to launch a solo show just for him in Dhaka. That MF Husain is a great artist everyone knows, but for people in Asia and more particularly in the sub-continent he bears special importance as he has opened doors for a polarisation of art movement in the east. Young artists in the east no longer have to look up to westerners for inspiration and rather can take pride on themselves to make modern arts.
A selection of 59 works done in serigraph, lithograph and silk screen on paper will be showcased at the exhibition. The exposition will feature some of the more significant works of the iconic painter: archetypal horses, images of Mother Theresa, gods and goddesses. There is also 'Varanasi'---a series of black prints done in the '70s focusing on diverse images from the riverbanks of one of Hinduism's most holy cities. Then comes Mother---a series of lithograph denoting the eternal relationship between mother and child. The painter lost his mother at the age of two. Thus Husain had a great affection for this particular bond. Horse---a series of serigraph depicts the powerful movement of horses and their strenuous activities.
A number of his prints capture the vibrant hue and spirit of Indian festivals. These ancient celebrations and rituals reflect the passing of time and show the enduring role of religion and tradition in Indian culture.
Some of his prints denote the regional diversity of Indian dance forms, an integral part of high culture and festival ritual. Reflecting his love of dance and the beauty of dancing women, Husain rightly explores the beauty of Indian women and their characteristics through his intense observation.  
Maqbool Fida Husain commonly known as MF Husain, was a modern Indian painter. He was a founding member of The Progressive Artists Group of Bombay (PAG). He is thought to be one of the greatest painters of India.
Hussain mingled western modernity with Indian folk style -- focusing on vibrant colours, bold curves, dynamic movements (human figures and animals) and figurative compositions. The painter had a great fascination for portraying myths, political circumstances and historic events. This multifaceted genius worked in almost all media -- like oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolours, pastel, etching, woodcut, lithograph, serigraph, linocut, pen and pencil.
At the exhibition, a number of his serigraph, lithograph and silk screen will be displayed. Most of his prints demonstrate the distinct style developed by the artist over his extended career.
The painter was secular and uber-liberal. Fragmentation is a recurring trait in his works. The maestro was deeply interested in cubism as well. Cubism gained popularity in India through his adroit hands. Some of his prints also reflect his personal assessment of religious beliefs.
The exhibition has been sponsored by ADN Group and Suhana and Anis Ahmed Foundation.
The exhibition will remain open every day from 11 am to 7.30 pm till January 31.