When legends pass away, the vacuum created takes infinite time to fill or might I say the space is left void forever. The only solace left is that their beautiful creations are immortal and keep rejuvenating our souls through their blissful existence. This year marks the loss of iconic Indian Artist SH Raza from the Art world. Born on 22 Feb 1922 he breathed his last on 23rd July 2016.

Raza’s paintings are so captivating that just by a glance one could load oneself in the world of colors and fantasy. Raza had conquered the art world by making us realize the importance of “Bindu – The Dot” which later on became his signature style. According to him “Bindu” awakened a latent energy in him from within. Besides this his works also revolved around the concept of Prakriti (nature), Kundalini (primary energy) and Tribhuj (triangle).

In 1946 Raza was awarded a silver medal at Bombay Art Society where he had his first solo show. He was also honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan (2007) and later with Padma Vibhushan (2013).

He started with painting landscapes but graduated to abstract works and by 70’s he wanted to channelize his work towards more authenticity and add more dimensions. That is when he started studying more of Indian states, their cultures so that he could inculcate the beauty of the lands and their ethnicity in his works.

Though Raza spent major years of his life in Paris, he returned to India in 2002. In later years he also became a visiting lecturer in the University of California where students gained invaluable insights from him.

With time Raza was recognized as a master of modern art and became the highest selling Indian artist with one of his works “La Terre” sold for Rs18.8 cr. His death is a great loss to the art world. He has left behind a legacy of creations which are a source of inspiration to young and upcoming artists.

With the legendary artist no more artists are at a loss as the link to contemporary art has faded away and an empty sense prevails…