Zakir Husain (Tanha), born in 1977 in Solapur, Maharashtra, is a Mumbai-based contemporary artist acclaimed for his deeply introspective visual language that bridges reality, imagination, and emotion. A graduate with an Art Teacher Diploma from Solapur, Tanha’s artistic practice emerges from his lived experiences and his engagement with broader cultural and social narratives. Over the years, he has developed a distinctive style blending surrealism, symbolism, and abstraction — inviting viewers into an evocative space between thought and memory.
His compositions often feature recurring motifs such as gramophones, origami cranes, torn clock faces, and golden eggs — symbols that signify the fragility of time, the echo of memory, and the continuity of creation amidst chaos. Through such poetic imagery, Tanha explores concepts of self, silence, and transformation, redefining the boundaries of modern expression with subtle wit and profound sensitivity.
Tanha has exhibited widely across India and internationally. His solo exhibitions include shows at World Art Dubai (2022, 2024), Wonju Art Fair, South Korea (2024), and Pradarshak Art Gallery, Mumbai (2021). He has participated in major global art fairs such as the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong, Singapore, Brussels, and Amsterdam. His artistic excellence has been recognized with multiple honors, including the “Best Artist Award” at World Art Dubai (2022), “Art Maestro” Title (Kerala, 2016), and the M.F. Husain National Award (2015).
Through his evolving oeuvre, Zakir Husain (Tanha) continues to investigate the intersections of time, memory, and human experience — translating silence into timeless visual poetry.
A curated selection of artworks by Zakir Husain showcasing their unique style and artistic vision.
