Saturday saw the end of an era in art with the demise of 94 year old Syed Haider Raza in New Delhi. India has lost one of its most globally renowned modern artists. He was the founder of the Progressive Artists Group in the early 1950’s that comprised of the country’s most influential artists like FN Souza, MF Hussain, KH Ara and HA Gade. His constant endeavours and globally appreciated works put Indian art on the world map.
Raza lived in Paris for most of his working life, but he was a true Indian at heart. His deep knowledge of Hinduism , Christianity and Islam helped him add a distinctive touch of spirituality to his works. His early paintings were mostly landscapes and seascapes, he then transformed his style with his concept of the “Bindu”. He would passionately explain that the ‘Bindu’ was the origin of everything. He was probably the first modernist Indian artist who incorporated texts in art. Some of his works juxtaposed texts with abstract spaces.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and was also conferred with the highest French civilian honour, the Commandeur de la Legion d’honneur.
Artists, gallerists and art collectors reminisce moments spent with this great artist and how he influenced them and motivated them to strive higher. He was admired by everyone and led a life of precision.
[ Via : Timesofindia ]
