Yusuf, born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in 1952, is a distinguished artist with diplomas in both painting and sculpture from the 1970s. He has held 25 solo exhibitions and participated in prominent group shows, including the VII Triennale in New Delhi in 1992 and the Bangladesh Biennale in Dhaka in 1995. Yusuf has also showcased his work in Korea and Japan. Among his many accolades are the Raza Award in 1984 and the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award in New Delhi in 1987. He was also honoured with a National Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, New Delhi.

Yusuf is renowned for his pioneering efforts in establishing the Graphic Workshop at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, where he currently serves as Deputy Director of Graphics. His contributions to the arts have earned him honorary memberships in numerous national and international institutions, and he has delivered a series of lectures across Japan.

Yusuf’s artistic style is characterised by a profound commitment to abstraction. He skillfully uses lines and shapes to evoke complex concepts and emotions without relying on recognisable forms. His meticulous approach, with each line and form crafted with great precision, brings a sense of clarity and order to his compositions, often giving them a minimalist appearance.

One of the defining features of Yusuf’s work is his use of restraint. He eschews excessive details and flourishes, opting instead for simplicity and purity in his designs. This restrained approach results in paintings that may seem stark or austere, yet they possess a profound depth and meaning. Yusuf’s ability to convey so much with so little is a testament to his mastery of the medium.