M. F. Husain Quotes

Powerful M. F. Husain for Daily Growth

About M. F. Husain

M.F. Husain, born Mahatma Phoobalal Hirusainbhai Husain on September 17, 1915, in Pandharpur, India, was a prolific Indian artist known for his unique style that blended traditional Indian themes with modern Western art techniques. Nicknamed 'The Picasso of India', Husain's work spanned over six decades and encompassed various mediums such as oil paintings, murals, sculptures, and even graphics. Husain was influenced by diverse sources, including Hindu mythology, the rural landscape of his childhood, European impressionism, and African tribal art. He started his artistic journey at a young age and was deeply inspired by the Indian freedom struggle, which often found expression in his political murals. In 1947, he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) where he co-founded the progressive artists' group, challenging conventional art norms. His major works include 'The Battle of Ganga and Hidkelam', a series of paintings depicting the Mahabharata epic, and 'Gujarat Series' inspired by the rural life of his native state. Husain's career was marked by numerous controversies due to his use of Hindu gods and goddesses in his art. Despite these challenges, he continued to create until his death on June 9, 2011. His legacy lies in his contribution to modern Indian art and his ability to blend traditional Indian themes with contemporary art styles.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

This quote by M.F. Husain suggests that everyone, particularly children, possess an innate ability for creativity and artistic expression. However, as people grow older and face societal pressures or practicalities, they often lose touch with their original creative impulses. The essence of the quote is a call to preserve one's inner artist, suggesting that it's essential not only to nurture but also to maintain the creativity and imagination we all possess as children throughout our lives.


"The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery."

M.F. Husain's quote "The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery" suggests that an artist's primary role is not just to create or reproduce reality, but rather to probe, question, and unveil its hidden depths. By delving into the complexities of life, emotions, and human nature, artists can stimulate our curiosity, broaden our perspectives, and ultimately deepen our understanding and appreciation of the world around us.


"Life is a great picture gallery."

M.F. Husain's statement, "Life is a great picture gallery," suggests that life itself is a vast collection of experiences, events, emotions, and observations, much like a gallery filled with diverse artworks. Each moment, encounter, or situation we experience can be seen as a unique piece in this gallery, contributing to the overall narrative and beauty of our lives. Husain's quote encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of life and find inspiration in every aspect of our journey, just as one might admire various artworks in a gallery.


"Art is not imitation, art is inspiration, art is emotion put into color and movement."

This quote by M.F. Husain emphasizes that art is not just a copy or representation of reality, but rather an expression of the artist's thoughts, feelings, and inspirations. He suggests that art is about using colors and movements to convey emotions, making it a creative outlet for personal experiences and ideas. It is an interpretation of reality, influenced by the artist's unique perspective and imagination.


"I don't copy nature, I try to understand it and make my own interpretation of it."

This quote suggests that artist M.F. Husain didn't strive for a literal representation of nature in his work, but instead aimed to comprehend its essence and express his personal perspective or interpretation of it. In other words, he sought not merely to replicate what he saw, but to communicate the underlying truths, emotions, and ideas that he perceived in the natural world around him, thus making his art a unique reflection of nature, as seen through his eyes and heart.


I only give expression to the instincts from my soul.

- M. F. Husain

My Soul, Give, Expression, Instincts

India is my motherland.

- M. F. Husain

India, Motherland

Ninety-nine percent of Indian people loved me and they still love me.

- M. F. Husain

Love, Loved, Still, Indian

I kept on trying to use so many media and ideas in my work because our horizon is so vast and Indian culture is so rich that I think what we are today, culturally, we have a unique position and I don't think one lifetime is enough to encompass it.

- M. F. Husain

Lifetime, I Think, Use, Indian

I am an Indian and a painter, that's all.

- M. F. Husain

I Am, Painter, Am, Indian

They can put me in a jungle. Still, I can create.

- M. F. Husain

Me, Create, Still, Jungle

Wherever I find love I will accept it.

- M. F. Husain

Love, Will, Find, Wherever

I have not intended to denigrate or hurt the beliefs of anyone through my art.

- M. F. Husain

Art, Through, Intended, Denigrate

I think you don't do work for controversy alone, and whenever you do new work which people don't understand and they say it is done to create controversy.

- M. F. Husain

Think, New, Which, Controversy

I'm an Indian-origin painter. I will remain so to my last breath.

- M. F. Husain

Will, Last, Painter, Breath

I am like a folk painter. Paint and move ahead.

- M. F. Husain

I Am, Move, Painter, Folk

All this talk about inspiration and moment is nonsense.

- M. F. Husain

Inspiration, Talk, About, Nonsense

Mostly people are ignorant, what is the language of painting. You know, they're ignorant. It is so difficult to make them aware, but time will teach them.

- M. F. Husain

Teach, Will, Mostly, Ignorant

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