• Bhupen Khakhar You Can’t Please All at Tate Modern

    Date posted: August 22, 2016 Author: jolanta
    Buphen Khakhar, ‘American Survey Officer’, 1969, oil paint on canvas, 106 x 89 cm. Image courtesy Collection of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.

    Until 6 November 2016

    Explore the extraordinary paintings of this key figure in modern Indian art

    Renowned for his unique figurative style and incisive observations of class and sexuality, Bhupen Khakhar (1934-2003) played a central role in modern Indian art and was a key international figure in 20th century painting. This landmark exhibition showcases vivid works on canvas, luminous watercolour paintings and experimental ceramics.

    An accountant-turned-artist, Bhupen Khakhar demonstrated a commitment to representing his world with unflinching honesty. High and low merged in narrative paintings with influences ranging from devotional aesthetics and street culture to European painting and pop art. He confronted provocative themes, particularly his sexuality, with rare sensitivity and wit. Haunting portraits of ordinary men and last works describing his struggle with cancer express a rare humanity.

    Bringing together Khakhar’s work from across five decades and collections around the world for the first time since his death, this is a unique opportunity to discover his extraordinary work and inspirational story.

    Join the conversation #Khakhar


    Courtesy of Tate Modern

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