Bhupen Khakhar, one of India’s older generation of modern painters passed away on 8th August 2003 in Baroda. Khakhar, the man who was one of the founders of the Baroda school of painting and always believed in being bold and adventurous, was a rebel whose passing leaves a huge void.

We give below a small profile on this path-breaking artist.

Bhupen Khakhar (1934 – 2003)

Born in Mumbai in 1934, Khakhar was by profession a Chartered Accountant. However, around 1962 he gravitated to his forte in life – Art.
Moving to Baroda Khakhar joined the Faculty of Fine Arts. This started his career in Art. A self taught artist, he also took an art appreciation course at JJ School in Mumbai An artist who always believed in moving away from conformity, he was one of the first artists to bring in the gaudy colours of Kitsch into his paintings as well as the theme of homosexuality. Calling himself a “Sunday Artist”, Khakhar always had a sardonic element in his paintings.

Khakhar also drew inspiration from Indian miniatures and folk art, which influenced his work in the 70’s.

All of Khakhar’s works are very strong in narrative, whether they were on folk themes, tradesmen at work or even gay lifestyles. A style that was unique and path breaking.

Solo and group shows and appreciation all over the country and the world established Bhupen Khakhar as one of the leading contemporary artists of our country.

Bhupen Khakhar was a multi faceted person. Little known about him was that he was also a writer of plays and short stories. Regarded as a wonderful human being, humorous and caring underneath a serious exterior, he will be missed by his friends and admirers.