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Tate Modern Exhibition

Bhupen Khakhar You Can’t Please All

1 June – 6 November 2016

Bhupen Khakhar, You Can’t Please All 1981. Tate. © Estate of Bhupen Khakhar.

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Explore the extraordinary paintings of this key figure in modern Indian art

Renowned for his unique figurative style and incisive observations of class and sexuality, Bhupen Khakhar (1934-2003) played a central role in modern Indian art and was a key international figure in 20th century painting. This landmark exhibition showcases vivid works on canvas, luminous watercolour paintings and experimental ceramics. 

An accountant-turned-artist, Bhupen Khakhar demonstrated a commitment to representing his world with unflinching honesty. High and low merged in narrative paintings with influences ranging from devotional aesthetics and street culture to European painting and pop art. He confronted provocative themes, particularly his sexuality, with rare sensitivity and wit. Haunting portraits of ordinary men and last works describing his struggle with cancer express a rare humanity.  

Bringing together Khakhar’s work from across five decades and collections around the world for the first time since his death, this is a unique opportunity to discover his extraordinary work and inspirational story.

Join the conversation #Khakhar

Painting called 'American Survey Officer' consiting of three men standing and chatting at the bottom of a tropical jungle scene

Bhupen Khakhar American Survey Officer 1969 Kiran Nadar Museum of Art

Tate Modern

Bankside
London SE1 9TG
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Dates

1 June – 6 November 2016

Supported by

Deutsche Bank​​

Main Sponsor

With additional support from the Bhupen Khakhar Exhibition Supporters Circle

Radhika Chopra and Rajan Anandan
Amrita Jhaveri
Peter Louis
Chandru Ramchandani

Kiran Nadar Museum of Art

A must-see for art connoisseurs keen to know about his riveting role in the coming of modern Indian art circa 20th century

Fabio Immediato, Vogue India

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  • Bhupen Khakhar in Sayaji Baug gardens, Vadodara, 1983

    My Memories of an Indian Master

    Shanay Jhaveri and Howard Hodgkin

    Hear candid tales about the painter’s life and work from one of Khakhar’s friends

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  • Artist

    Bhupen Khakhar

    1934–2003

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