Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Husain & Galileo

M.F. Husain is in the same predicament now as Galileo was many centuries ago, both criticised and exiled in their time. Although India is formally a republic, its social condition remains feudal. Raja Ravi Verma's portrayal of Indian gods and goddesses in the classical western portrait tradition is now considered banal. Indian cinema depicts religion and gods in the popular tradition of street theatre. Mr. Husain's artistic roots date back to his days as a hoarding painter. He has brought sophistication to elements from popular cinema and religious art in his work. Like Galileo, Mr. Husain will be rediscovered and cherished as a great artist and genius when India develops from a feudal nation to a republic.

S.K. Venkatesan,
Chennai

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