M.F. Hussain-Commission of a lifetime for Indian artist

London: The Dubai-based Indian painter M.F. Husain, aged 92, has been commissioned by the wife of the Emir of Qatar to make 99 paintings for the new Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

Husain says the figure of 99 was chosen because of the 99 names of God in Islam. "Some of the works are small and some are big, but together they highlight what Arab ­civilisation has given to mankind," he said.

Husain has started work on the series, entitled "History of Arab Civilisation", and expects to complete it by mid-2008, after the museum’s scheduled opening on 22 March. Some works will already be on show by then.

Asked how the commission arose, Husain said:?"I mentioned in an interview that I have been working on Indian civilisation all my life, and I now wanted to work on Arab civilisation. Sheikha Mozah saw the interview, sent a message and commissioned this work." He added that everything has been provided for him in Qatar, such as a "huge villa" and assistants to help him with the commission.

"I’m so excited to get such a marvellous opportunity," says Husain.

Source: theartnewspaper.com