Srinagar, Dec 14 (JKNS): Renowned painter and one of the most respected visual artists of Jammu and Kashmir, Muhammad Yusuf Bacha, passed away on Sunday morning at SKIMS Soura after a brief illness.
He was later laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Sopore. His demise has left the artistic and cultural fraternity of the Valley in deep mourning, as per news agency JKNS.
Remembering him as a unique and inspiring artist of his time, noted academic and cultural personality Dr Rafeeq Masoodi said that Bacha began his artistic journey relatively late in life, taking up painting seriously at the age of 50 an achievement that continues to inspire generations of artists.
Dr Masoodi, who along with Bacha founded the North Kashmir Art Society nearly three decades ago, recalled that Bacha served as its president and played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting visual arts in the region.
“Bacha mentored almost every artist from North Kashmir in some way,” he said while condoling his demise.
He added that Bacha’s landscape and oil colour paintings were “a class in themselves,” distinguished by strong composition, depth, and a unique style of brushwork.
Bacha’s last rites were attended by a large gathering of family members, friends, students, and admirers from across Kashmir. Prominent figures present included legendary poet Shahnaz Rasheed and senior literary and cultural personalities such as Nisar Azam, Hasan Zarin, Javed Iqbal, Rauf Qayasi, Ashiq Qazi, among others.
The passing of Muhammad Yusuf Bacha marks the end of an era in Kashmiri visual art. His timeless works and the generations of artists he mentored will continue to keep his legacy alive. (JKNS)
