The correct option is M. F. Husain.
Explanation
Modern Indian art is characterized by the synthesis of Western modernist techniques-such as Cubism and Expressionism-with indigenous Indian themes. The Progressive Artists' Group (PAG), established in 1947, played a pivotal role in this transition, moving away from the revivalist Bengal School towards a more international aesthetic.
Analysis of the Artist and Work:
- M. F. Husain: Maqbool Fida Husain, a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group, created a renowned series of paintings dedicated to Mother Teresa starting in 1980. In these works, he depicted her as a faceless figure clad in a white saree with a blue border. The absence of facial features was a deliberate stylistic choice to universalize her presence as a symbol of compassion and motherhood, rather than limiting the work to a realistic portrait. This series exemplifies his ability to adapt modern, bold, and often fragmented styles to deeply Indian subjects.
- Amrita Sher-Gil: A pioneer of modern Indian art, she is best known for her empathetic depictions of Indian rural life and women (e.g., Three Girls, Bride's Toilet). She passed away in 1941, decades before Husain's series on Mother Teresa was conceived.
- Akbar Padamsee: Known for his Metascapes and Grey Series, Padamsee explored landscapes and figures through a distinct use of color and form, but is not associated with a series on Mother Teresa.
- Tyeb Mehta: Famous for his Falling Figure series, Celebration, and the Mahishasura series, Mehta's work often dealt with themes of existential angst and human suffering using diagonal compositions.
Key Takeaway: M. F. Husain is the artist responsible for the iconic painting series on Mother Teresa, utilizing a faceless representation to symbolize universal maternal care and service.