Bhupen Khakhar is often remembered as an artist full of surprises, who turned away from convention, and who openly and bravely expressed his views on everything. From social sectarianism to his own homosexuality, his views are expressed through bright colours and humorous imagery which has set him apart from many of his peers. Born in 1934, Khakhar began his career in art at the age of 38. Before that, he was a practising chartered accountant, and joined the M.S. University at Baroda to study art criticism in his late 30s.
Khakhar launched his career as an artist creating collages from calendar art. His style shifted from expressionistic to one underscored by wit and humour. He often painted the people around him, involved fully in his environment. He especially explored homosexuality in his paintings, as the subject was particularly close to him. He explained once, “I have chosen homo-eroticism as a theme because I am gay. What is happening in India – social rejection – did happen once in countries like USA and Europe. The police in all societies have beaten up gays and lesbians. But now they have been accepted by society. For me, there is nothing unnatural about homosexuality.” His bold approach to his work from his early period had prompted his biographer, Timothy Hyman, to call him “the most provocative painter in contemporary Indian art” in 1998. His later works, in contrast, are more mellow, and explore a plethora of subjects ranging from Kerala’s landscapes and Tamilian dhabas, to religious Indian iconography.
The artist’s works are now part of several collections all over the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and private collections as well. His works have been exhibited across India and the world in various solo and group exhibitions. In 1984, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award. Khakhar passed away in 2003.
StoryLTD features a number of paintings by Bhupen Khakhar in its fixed price sales, as well as its numerous art auctions. Buy Bhupen Khakhar paintings on StoryLTD.