Yā Haiyyo Yā Qaium 1978

"Yā Haiyyo Yā Qaium," painted with watercolor by M.F. Husain, invites us into a spiritual space that transcends cultural boundaries. Husain, an Indian artist who embraced modernism, often used his art to bridge the gap between his personal experiences and broader philosophical ideas. In this watercolor, the Sufi invocation "Yā Haiyyo Yā Qaium," meaning "O Living, O Sustaining," is written above abstract shapes, rendered in muted blues, greens and earth tones. The inclusion of text amidst abstraction invites contemplation, turning the visual experience into a meditative act. Husain's integration of calligraphy, here, suggests a dialogue between the seen and unseen, the concrete and the abstract. The artwork gently disrupts traditional representation and encourages a personal, emotional interaction. Husain sought to evoke the very essence of the divine, inviting viewers to share in a moment of quiet reflection.