Tyeb Mehta: Exponent of Indian Contemporary Art

One of the internationally recognized Indian artists, Tyeb Mehta was a multitalented individual. Tyeb Mehta was one of the greatest exponents of Indian contemporary art on the international scene. Born July 26, 1925 at Kapadvanj, a town in Indian state of Gujarat, Mehta was part of the Progressive Artists Group of Bombay, and also, FN Souza, SH Raza and MF Husain popular.

Some of his notable art exhibitions are: 2001 'Modern Indian Art', organised by Saffron Art and Pundole Art Gallery, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York; 2000 'A Global View : Indian Artists at Home in the World', organised by The Fine Art Resource, Mumbai at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai; 1998 'Contemporary Indian Art', organised by Vadehra Art Gallery at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai; 1997 'Tryst with Destiny : Art From Modern India', Singapore Art Museum, Singapore; 1997 'Indian Contemporary Art: Post Independence', organised by Vadehra Art Gallery, National gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai; 1982 'Contemporary Indian Art', Festival of Indian Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London.

Modern art is a term that refers to artistic works produced during the period extending roughly from the 1860s through the 1970s, and denotes the style and philosophy of the art produced during that era. The term is usually associated with art in which the traditions of the past have been thrown aside in a spirit of experimentation. Modern artists experimented with new ways of seeing, and with fresh ideas about the nature of materials and functions of art.

Tyeb Mehta participated in a number of international exhibitions, including 'Ten Contemporary Indian Painters' at Trenton in U.S.A.; 'Modem Indian Paintings' at Hirschhom Museum of Washington and 'Seven Indian Painters' at Gallerie Le Monde de U art of Paris.

On 2nd July 2009, Tyeb Mehta left for the holy abode, following a heart attack. He is survived by his wife - Sakina, a son and a daughter. Tyeb Mehta's large body of work, spanning over six decades, established him as one of the greatest names in the field of Modern Indian Art. His paintings raised numerous questions about the human condition, some of which remain unanswered till date.