Remembering Raza

Delhi artists share their memories of SH Raza — the artist, the inspiration and the mentor

Legendary artist Sayed Haider Raza — who redefined modern art with his abstracts in oil and acrylic, use of lively colours, and depiction of icons from Indian cosmology — died at 94 in Delhi on Saturday morning.

Raza moved to France in 1950, and continued creating stunning artwork. In 1956, he won the Prix de la Critique award, making him the first non-French artist to receive the honour. As news of his death surfaced, several celebs took to social media to pay emotional tributes to the Padma Shri awardee.

“Gr8 SH Raza departs for his heavenly abode. may his soul rest in peace! (sic),” wrote actor Annu Kapoor.

S.H. Raza, who showed the universe in a single “Bindu” is no more. A great loss to the Art world. #PrayersForHisSoul AMAAN ALI BANGASH, SAROD PLAYER

Deeply saddened to read of the demise of SH Raza. One of India’s greatest artists, who put his stamp on our culture! What a huge loss! VISHAL DADLANI, MUSIC COMPOSER

Legendary artist Sayed Haider Raza — an awardee of the fellowship of the Lalit Kala Akademi — painted with vivid hues, depicting elements from Indian cosmology. His works on the idea that the ‘Bindu’ (dot) is the centre of all creations are considered a turning point in his career that spanned almost seven decades. In an interview with Hindustan Times, earlier this year, he had said, “Bindu is a source of energy, a still centre, a point of radiation.”

Here, the Capital’s art fraternity remembers the life and work of Raza, who passed away on Saturday.

HT PHOTO

HT PHOTO