Acclaimed painter Tyeb Mehta dead

India's News.Net
Thursday 2nd July, 2009

Tyeb Mehta, one of India's most critically acclaimed artists, died of a cardiac arrest here early Thursday, according to family sources. He was 84.

The artist is survived by his wife Sakina, son Yusuf and a daughter, and the family lives in Versova, Andheri west.

Ailing for some time, he was admitted to Mumbai's Asian Heart Institute (AHI) and died around 1 a.m. following a massive heart attack.

The reclusive Mehta, who lived for many years in Europe, shot to international headlines when one of his paintings was auctioned for a record $2 million at Christie's in June 2008.

'He was a very creative person, unlike many others who make decorative pieces of art. He stopped painting voluntarily many years ago and said that he had conveyed whatever he wanted to say,' Mumbai artist Prakash Bal Joshi.

Born in Kapadvanj town of Gujarat on July 26, 1925, Mehta acquired a diploma in painting from the Sir J.J. School of Arts in 1952, and was later closely associated with Akbar Padamsee, another master.

Apart from Mumbai, he lived and worked for many years in Europe and the US.

Honoured with a Padma Bhushan in 2007, Mehta's acclaimed work 'Kali' crossed the Rs.10 million mark in 2005, followed by 'Celebration' which fetched Rs.15 million, and finally topped by the Christie's achievement when one of his creations was sold for $2 million.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the 'sad demise' of 'celebrated artist' and said his 'unfortunate passing away is a major loss to the art world'.

'He was a source of inspiration to many artists and his memory and legacy will continue to endure,' he said.

'On this sad occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the members of his bereaved family and to his wide circle of friends, admirers and followers. I pray for peace of the departed soul,' the prime minister said.

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