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S.H. RAZA

S.H. Raza (Sayed Haider Raza) Born in Madhya Pradesh in 1922, SH Raza attended the Nagpur School of Art, Nagpur, (1939–43) then went on to pursue a degree at the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai. He spent much of his time in the 1950s at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His love for Paris and modernism blossomed and remained a life-long affair, while still maintaining a strong bond with India. Raza was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in 2007 and 2013 respectively. He was awarded the Lalit Kala Ratna Puraskar in 2004 by the Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi. He was also awarded the Legion of Honour by the Republic of France in 2015.

DISTINCTIVE STYLE

S.H. Raza’s art blends Indian spirituality with vibrant modernist abstraction. Known for bold colors and geometric forms, his work explores nature, the cosmos, and the spiritual journey. Central to his art is the Bindu, symbolizing creation and focus. Rooted in Indian tradition yet globally resonant, Raza’s paintings are a vibrant reflection of his emotional and spiritual explorations.

EXHIBITIONS

S. H. Raza’s work was widely exhibited in India and internationally, with his first solo show in 1946 at the Bombay Art Society Salon. His exhibitions in cities like Paris, New York, London, and Tokyo earned critical acclaim. Raza co-founded the Progressive Artists’ Group in 1947, alongside F.N. Souza and M.F. Husain, to create a modern Indian art movement that reflected post-independence aspirations, shaping the future of Indian art.

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his legacy

In his later years, S.H. Raza returned to India in 2010 after nearly six decades in France, settling in Delhi. Despite health challenges, he remained active in the art community, mentoring young artists and exhibiting his work. His later paintings reflected a deep engagement with Indian philosophy and spirituality, continuing his lifelong exploration of artistic and spiritual truth. Raza passed away on July 23, 2016, at the age of 94, marking the end of an era in Indian art. His legacy endures through his extraordinary body of work and the countless artists he inspired, solidifying his place as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century modern Indian art.