Bhupen Khakhar (Maharashtra)
About Artist
Born in Mumbai, Khakhar graduated in Economics and Political Science and then qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He pursued art in his free time and became well informed about the visual arts. Bhupen met artist Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh who encouraged his latent interest in art and urged him to enroll in the newly founded Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda. Khakhar painted with vibrant oil, gouache or watercolours, creating imaginative works with deeply personal references. He openly explored his sexuality within his work, touching on the personal and cultural implications of homosexuality within Indian society. Khakhar has also often been linked to the Pop Art movement. Khakhar got international acclaim even before he got recognition in India and held several solo shows abroad. The artist was awarded the Padma Shri in 1984. Khakhar passed away in Vadodara in 2003.Artwork
