Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Bhupen Khakhar's Life and Art Explored in Gujarati Biography
Bhupen Khakhar was a famous Indian artist who started as a chartered accountant.
He became an artist after meeting his friend and mentor Gulammohammed Sheikh.
He studied art in Baroda and became known for his unique and sometimes controversial paintings.
He was also one of the first openly gay artists in India.
A new book in Gujarati tells his life story and includes his writings and those of his friends.
The book shows how his personal experiences, especially his sexuality, influenced his art.
It's a great read for anyone interested in art, history, or the human experience.
Bhupen Khakhar was an iconic Indian artist known for his provocative and original work.
He began his career as a chartered accountant before pursuing art at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Baroda.
Khakhar's artistic journey was influenced by his friendships with other artists and his exposure to pop art.
His work often explored themes of sexuality and societal norms, using irony and humor as a refuge.
The book includes a biography of Khakhar, a collection of his writings, and essays by his friends and scholars.
- Who
- Bhupen Khakhar, an iconic Indian artist and writer
- What
- A Gujarati biography exploring his life, art, and writings
- When
- Published recently (exact date not specified)
- Where
- India, with focus on Bombay and Baroda
- Why
- To provide insights into Khakhar's life, artistic journey, and the impact of his sexuality on his work
- Author
- Biren Kothari
- Publisher
- Sarthak Prakashan
- Pages
- Less than 300
- Birth Year
- 1934
- Art School
- Faculty of Fine Arts, Baroda
- Notable Friends
- Gulammohammed Sheikh, Vivan Sundaram, Suresh Joshi, Jim Donovan
- Artistic Style
- Pop Art, Collage, Miniature and Company Paintings
- Sexuality
- Gay