SH Raza the modernist, man behind the canvas
An Indian artist whose work evolved from expressionistic landscapes to abstracts and found global recognition in pure geometrical forms, is Sayed Haider Raza. Narrating the journey of this iconic modernist is an ongoing exhibition in the city, titled Antrung Raza. On display are letters, books, catalogues and invitations Raza drew himself, for his exhibitions.
“The intention is to make his struggles, aesthetics and art known throughout the country,” says Ashok Vajpeyi, poet and managing trustee, The Raza Foundation. “As an artist, Raza took an alternative modernist approach. His work is deeply spiritual and expresses a sense of tranquillity,” he adds.
Raza’s belongings have been put together from the largest single artist’s archive, and offer a glimpse into the artist’s evolution. “This exhibition, the first one I’ve visited since the pandemic hit, brings out the perfectionist in Raza, who wrote letters with almost as much care as he drew lines and painted canvases,” says Purushottam Agrawal, an art enthusiast and former professor.
February 22 will mark the onset of Raza’s birth centenary celebrations, and this retrospective kick starts the events that will pay a tribute to the master. “This is the first ever archival show on the artist,” says Akhilesh Varma, curator of the exhibition. “Most know Raza the painter, but it’s equally important to know Raza the person. This exhibition features over 20,000 letters that were written to Raza! He wrote back to each one of them, and saved these letters even while moving houses in France,” he adds.