Art beyond canvas - why they painted what they painted

V S Gaitonde was one of the pioneers of abstract expression in India contemporary art. But unlike MF Husain or S H Raza, Gaitonde remained almost missing in the cloud of obscurity. He shunned his parents, sisters and most of the relatives and settled in Delhi. He lived a quiet life of solitude. But why?

F N Souza's paintings were disturbingly engaging. But why? What was the driving force that made him paint the way he painted?

Sayed Haider Raza, an artist from the Progressive Artist Group of Bombay, proved himself to be master on the world of art. He is known largely for his Bindu. The dot. He had denied any connection with Tantrik Art. But what was the driving force behind his unique expressions?

One of the most enigmatic and controversial artist in Indian History, Maqbool Fida Husain, had left an indelible mark in the world of art. But still, even this day, his name is clouded by negative sentiment thanks to the fanatics in Hindu politics. Many galleries are nervous about displaying his works. Art gallery owners often whisper, 'Let us avoid Husain. It brings trouble.' The amazing skill and depth in M F Hussain's paintings have no parallel in the history of modern art yet most of us do not even know who the man was really. This episode is an attempt to capture the spirit of his art and character.

Abstract expression is not that abstract really! It does not sound convincing. But knowing the background and origin of abstract expression clears the cloud of confusion. Paintings by Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko or Jackson Pollock begin to speak volumes. They do not seem to be random riot of color on canvas. One gets access to the mysterious matrix of abstraction.