How India's 'biggest art deal' buried MF Husain masterpieces in a bank vault

MF Husain, often hailed as the 'Picasso of India,' was one of the most celebrated and sometimes controversial modern artists in the country. His paintings, known for their bold themes and vibrant colors, captured the spirit and struggles of the 20th century. Recently, 25 of his rare paintings, which had been locked away in bank vaults since 2008, are set to be auctioned in Mumbai. These artworks were part of a record-breaking deal made in 2004 when Husain sold them to a Mumbai businessman. However, due to legal troubles involving the businessman, the paintings were seized and remained hidden for over a decade. This auction marks the first public showing of these masterpieces in more than twenty years.

The collection, titled 'MF Husain: An Artist's Vision of the XX Century,' offers a unique glimpse into Husain's perspective on a century marked by rapid technological advances, political upheavals, and cultural shifts. The paintings depict a variety of scenes, from soldiers in trenches and people suffering from poverty to symbolic images of peace and coexistence. One notable painting shows a diverse group of figures sitting together on a bench, representing Husain's hope for dialogue and harmony among different cultures and nations. Another painting contrasts the image of Charlie Chaplin with a rocket launch, highlighting the gap between social struggles and technological progress.

The story behind these paintings is as dramatic as the art itself. In 2004, Husain entered into a billion-rupee deal with businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava, who bought 25 paintings as part of a larger series Husain was working on. This deal was called 'India's biggest art deal' and brought Srivastava sudden fame. However, two years later, Srivastava was accused by India's Central Bureau of Investigation of misusing funds from a government agricultural body. The paintings were seized as part of the investigation and remained in bank vaults until a court recently allowed them to be auctioned to recover some of the money owed. This auction not only brings these important works back into the public eye but also highlights the complex relationship between art, money, and law in India.