Convener News Desk
Srinagar, Dec 14: One of the finest and most respected painting artists of Jammu and Kashmir, Muhammad Yusuf Bacha, passed away this morning at SKIMS Soura after a brief illness.
He was later laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Sopore. His demise has deeply saddened the artistic and cultural fraternity of the Valley.
Remembering him as a unique and inspiring artist of his times, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi said that Bacha began his artistic journey relatively late, taking up painting seriously at the age of 50—an achievement that continues to inspire generations. Dr. Masoodi, who along with Bacha formed the North Kashmir Art Society nearly three decades ago, recalled that Bacha served as its president and played a pivotal role in nurturing visual art in the region.
“Bacha mentored this art form to almost all artists of North Kashmir,” Dr. Masoodi said while condoling his demise. He added that Bacha’s landscape and oil colour paintings were “a class in themselves,” marked by strong composition, depth, and distinctive brush strokes.
Bacha’s last rites were attended by a large gathering of family members, friends, students, and admirers from across Kashmir. Among those present were legendary poet Shahnaz Rasheed and veteran literary and cultural figures including Nisar Azam, Hasan Zarin, Javed Iqbal, Rauf Qayasi, Ashiq Qazi, and many others.
The passing of Muhammad Yusuf Bacha marks the end of an era in Kashmiri visual art. His works and the generations of artists he mentored will continue to carry forward his legacy.
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