Portrait of Bhupen Khakhar (1934 – 2003)

Artist Madhvi Parekh (born 1942)

dated 2017, Reverse painting on acrylic
36 x 30 in. (91.4 x 76.2 cm.)

Bhupen Khakhar was one of India’s most celebrated modern artists, known for his bold, personal, and often humorous approach to painting. A self-taught artist from Gujarat, Khakhar’s works explored themes of identity, sexuality, daily life, and middle-class existence with vivid colors and a narrative style. His paintings often depicted ordinary people and intimate moments, infused with wit and poignancy. This made him a pioneer in giving voice to personal and marginalized experiences in Indian contemporary art.

This portrait of artist friend Bhupen has been created by Madhvi Parekh, a distinguished contemporary Indian artist. She is celebrated for her folk-inspired, narrative-rich works. Born in 1942 in Gujarat, Parekh’s art blends traditional rural imagery with modernist sensibilities. Her style often features simplified forms, symbolic storytelling, and vibrant palettes, drawing inspiration from folk tales, village life, and childhood memories.

In this charming reverse painting on acrylic, Parekh captures the spirit of Khakhar with warmth and playfulness. The portrait shows Khakhar smiling in a colorful striped kurta, and surrounded by a lively, dreamlike background of boats, temples, animals, and village scenes. The border is intricately filled with tribal and folk motifs, a signature element of Madhvi’s style, making this artwork a joyful celebration of Khakhar’s vibrant and narrative world.