Zakkir Hussain is a prominent contemporary Indian artist born in 1970 in Chandiroor, a coastal village in Kerala. He completed a degree in painting from the College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, in 1994, followed by a Master’s degree in Graphics from M.S. University of Baroda in 1997. He currently lives and works in Ernakulam, Kerala.
Through dense, agitated compositions filled with vibrant colors and bold lines, Zakkir explores transitional, everyday spaces and political realities. His artwork often depicts a struggle between human impulses and controlling social institutions, featuring recurring elements like bounded figures, repeated houses, and empty clothing. These stable motifs serve as a powerful commentary on a world shaped by fragmentation rather than progress. Rather than fantasy, his creations present critical observations on abandoned historical memories and silenced voices, giving form to an ever-expanding landscape of human suffering.
Zakkir has showcased his work extensively in solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Notable shows include solo presentations at Vadehra Art Gallery, The Guild, and Gallery SKE. He was also invited to participate in the inaugural Kochi-Muziris Biennale in 2012, alongside major group exhibitions across India and internationally.
