The newly opened Lawh Wa Qalam: MF Husain Museum in Doha is a monumental tribute to one of India's most celebrated modernist artists. To help visitors navigate this significant collection, Noof Mohammed, the museum's curator and project manager, has selected her top eight essential artworks for viewers.
A Journey Through History and Faith
Among the standout pieces is Battle of Badr (2008), where Husain revisits the historic Islamic battle. He captures its intense spirit not through realistic depiction, but through bold forms and powerful symbolism, charting a pivotal early victory.
Another key work from his later period is Yemen (2008). This painting belongs to the Arab Civilisation series and sees Husain exploring his ancestral roots. He presents a vibrant kaleidoscope of symbolic motifs, using a distinctive palette of blues, ochres, and earth tones.
Reflections on India and Humanity
Demonstrating his deep connection to his homeland, Quit India Movement (1985) is a powerful piece. It forms part of a series commemorating defining moments in India's struggle for independence. The work thoughtfully reflects on the broader movement and the profound concept of individual sacrifice for freedom.
In The Artist and his Model (1994), Husain highlights his enduring bond with his eternal muse—the horse. This piece is uniquely rendered as a woven tapestry, showcasing his versatility with different mediums.
Philosophy, Science, and Compassion
The Theorama series (Humanism) from 2003 embodies a sweeping humanist perspective. This 10-part series at the museum is dedicated to different religions, philosophies, and cultural traditions. Grounded in the ancient Indian belief that all spiritual paths converge towards a single universal truth, this was Husain's profound way of painting peace through visual theology.
A more playful yet significant work is Elephant (1992). This wooden cutout is reminiscent of the 1940s, a period when Husain was a struggling artist in Mumbai and designed children's toys for a furniture store.
Showing his fascination with scientific history, Arab Astronomy (2008) was inspired by Islamic Civilization and its legacy of innovation. The work references Abu Ma'shar, the renowned Persian astrologer and astronomer whose writings significantly shaped Islamic and later European thought.
Finally, the depiction of Mother Teresa (1998) is a poignant highlight. Husain first painted the Roman Catholic saint in 1980, after she received the Nobel Peace Prize and the Bharat Ratna. He depicted her several times, always faceless, yet she remains instantly recognizable through her iconic white sari with a blue border, perfectly embodying the feminine and the compassionate.
