Untitled (Self Portrait) 1986

M.F. Husain made this self-portrait with paint sometime in the late twentieth century. The quick, bold marks that define his face and beard really put the process right out there. It's like he's saying, "Here's how it's done, folks!" Husain's use of color is so interesting, especially the muted gold of his face against that deep burgundy background. You can almost feel the texture of the paint, thick in some places, thin in others. The white in the beard is really calling my name, each stroke so individual yet together they give the overall impression of wispy fuzz. The way he's looking down, lost in thought, makes me think of Picasso's introspective portraits. But where Picasso is all about deconstruction, Husain seems more interested in capturing the raw energy of the moment. It’s this dance between control and chance that makes art so alive, isn't it?