SH Raza Paintings and Legacy: His Antim Show
If you are curious about Modern Indian art masters, Raza Foundation’s Antima, an exhibition featuring SH Raza’s abstract art; last creation is sure to answer your question. Inaugurated by Prof. G.P. Talwar, the show can be viewed at the Shridharani Art Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi till 22nd February; Raza’s birthday.
The exhibition is part of Razautsav 2025, organized with the support of Akar Prakar, Gallerie Nvya, Akyan Art Gallery, Vadehra Art Gallery, India International Centre, Visual Arts Gallery, IHC, and Triveni Kala Sangam.
Symbolism in Raza’s Art
One cannot help but feel that SH Raza’s abstract art was a manifestation of the abundant beauty present in the world; it possessed the energy to lift us from the mundane and connect us to our deeper selves; it held enough power to make us aware that both the human and natural realms are extraordinary gifts worthy of our preservation. Furthermore, this art had the strength to remind us that peace and tranquillity are inherent to nature and humanity and should be accessible to all.
SH Raza Paintings and Legacy
In the later stages of his artistic journey, SH Raza reflected on his earlier periods with a contemplative spirit while delving into the essence of ultimate peace and the untapped energy, expressing them visually in captivating manners. The concept of recurrence, with its subtle variations, resembles the unfolding of a raaga, where one traverses vast distances only to return to a familiar point. Your beginning contains your end.
As noted by Ashok Vajpeyi, these works by Raza, all created in Delhi after his move from Paris in 2010, are his final pieces in the sense that he lived there until July 2016. However, there was no decline in his zest, love, or passion for life; his imagination and creativity remained vibrant and unyielding. SH Raza’s abstract art continued to play with colours and shapes, celebrating the diversity of existence despite the impending end of his life. In essence, he affirmed that ‘death shall have no dominion.’
Amidst a world that transforms almost daily, Raza was crafting a distinct and extraordinary realm. He called out to us with a noble voice, imbued with the simplicity of prayer and profound love. To hear this call was to engage in an ancient celebration of existence, where life and art were seamlessly intertwined, both representing unrestrained celebrations of being.
Acrylic on canvas, 60×60 cm.
Courtesy – Nidheesh Tyagi
in the above SH Raza’s painting, you can see his poetic capabilities. He writes, ‘पत्ता पत्ता बूटा बूटा हाल हमारा जाने है. जाने नजाने फूलने जाने बाग तो सारा जाने है.’ It translates to “Each leaf and each plant knows our condition. Whether it knows or not, the whole garden knows whether it blooms or not.”
Acrylic on paper board, 50x65cm.
Courtesy – Nidheesh Tyagi
In another on or SH Raza’s abstract art, he writes, केसव कहि न जाइ, का कहिये १| देखत तव रचना विचित्र अति, समुझि मतहि मन रहिये। शून्य भीति पर चित्र रंग नहिं, तनु बिनु लिखा चितेरे, धोये मिटै, न मरे भीत, दुख, पाइय यहि तनु हेरे ॥, विनय पत्रिका-” It translates to Keshav Kahi Na Jai, Ka Kahiye 1, If you look at the composition, it is very strange, do not understand. There is no picture on the empty wall, the painting is written without the body, it is washed away, the wall does not die, suffering, find this body here. Vinay Patrika-“
Image Courtesy – Nidheesh Tyagi
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