New Delhi: In a heartfelt homage to the late Sayed Haider Raza, one of India’s most celebrated modernist painters, an exhibition titled Uttar Raag is currently on display at the Triveni Kala Sangam’s Shridharani Art Gallery in New Delhi. This showcase offers art enthusiasts a rare glimpse into SH Raza’s last works, created during the final years of his life, reflecting a profound sense of ‘new freedom’ and ‘continuity’ in his artistic journey.
The exhibition features approximately two-thirds of SH Raza’s last works, including his final completed painting, Swasti (2016), and an unfinished canvas that poignantly marks the culmination of his illustrious career. These artworks, crafted between 2010 and 2016, have been bequeathed to the Raza Foundation, an arts and culture organization established by the artist himself. The foundation’s managing trustee, poet Ashok Vajpeyi, emphasizes that these pieces are not mere farewells but vibrant celebrations of life and creativity. “Paintings created by Sayed Haider Raza, when he was in his 90s, are not songs of farewell or leave-taking but of joy and life,” Vajpeyi remarked.
Among the notable works on display are Yoni (2012), Roop Aroop (2012), Vistaar (2013), Jeevana (2014), Tanmay (2015), Achal (2015), and Paysage (2015). Each painting encapsulates SH Raza’s exploration of themes central to existence, nature, and spirituality, rendered through his signature geometric abstraction and vibrant color palettes. The exhibition not only highlights the evolution of his artistic language but also underscores the ‘new freedom’ he embraced in his later years, allowing for a seamless ‘continuity’ of his creative expression.
SH Raza, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 94, was a pivotal figure in the Indian modern art movement. His journey began with the founding of the Progressive Artists’ Group in Bombay in 1947, alongside contemporaries like M.F. Husain and F.N. Souza. This collective sought to break away from traditional art forms, introducing a modernist vocabulary that resonated with India’s post-independence ethos. Throughout his career, SH Raza’s last works have been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions worldwide, including the São Paulo Biennale in 1958 and the Biennale de Menton in France during the 1960s and 70s. His contributions have been recognized with several honors, notably the Padma Vibhushan in 2013, India’s second-highest civilian award.
The Uttar Raag exhibition offers a unique opportunity to witness the culmination of SH Raza’s last works. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of his final paintings, which resonate with a deep sense of introspection and celebration. The exhibition is open to the public until July 10, providing a limited window to engage with the legacy of a maestro who redefined modern Indian art.
For those seeking to understand the depth and breadth of SH Raza’s last works, Uttar Raag stands as a testament to his enduring genius and the timeless appeal of his art.
