A new museum dedicated to the Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain (MF Husain) has opened in Doha, Qatar. The Lawh Wa Qalam museum is situated within the Qatar Foundation's Education City and spans approximately 3,000 square meters.
The museum features over 150 of Husain's works and objects, including paintings, sculptures, films, tapestries, and photographs. The exhibits aim to provide insight into the artist's career, including his later-life reflections and inspirations.
MF Husain was recognized for his modernist style, often incorporating Cubist influences with traditional Indian themes and mythology. His works included dynamic depictions of horses. He also directed two Bollywood films. Husain faced public controversy regarding paintings depicting nude Hindu goddesses, which resulted in accusations of obscenity and led to a period of self-imposed exile.
Husain spent his final years in Qatar, receiving Qatari citizenship in 2010. During this time, he pursued projects inspired by Arab civilization and culture.
The museum's architectural design draws inspiration from a 2008 sketch by Husain, which depicted two sculptural masses linked by a cylindrical tower. Indian architect Martand Khosla, in collaboration with the Qatar Foundation, developed the structure. The interior design features a labyrinthine layout, with galleries that include quotes from Husain and displays of his personal objects, such as his old Indian passport.
Among the museum's attractions is "Seeroo fi al ardh" (Walk In The Land), a multimedia project conceived by Husain in his final years, intended to narrate civilization through movement, sound, and mechanical choreography.
In his later career, Husain developed an interest in Islamic texts and Arab history. In 2008, he undertook a commission from Sheikh Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, creating a series that celebrated Arab civilization and explored Islamic history and faith.