A New Beginning

S H Raza — a name that has dominated the Indian art scene for the last many decades — turned 93 last month. He celebrates this milestone with a tri-city exhibition of recent works, titled Aarambh @ 93.

The recent works reflect Raza’s characteristic style. The ‘Bindu’, an essential part of many of Raza’s artworks, once again finds a place in his art, along with various other abstract shapes and words, and symbolic hieroglyphs.

On what keeps him inspired to continue working, Raza says, “It’s my faith in art, creativity and the possibilities of imagination. Though I am a deeply religious man, art constitutes for me a dimension of spirituality. The world for me remains full of mystery and wonder till today.”

The artist, who has been painting for nearly 75 years, was earlier known for his expressionist and abstract landscapes. Over time, shapes, colours and the metaphysical gained prominence in his works and this trend can be seen in his latest artistic offerings as well.

Aarambh @ 93 is on display at Art Musings, Mumbai until March 31, 2015; Akar Prakar, Kolkata from March 3—28 2015; and Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi until March 18, 2015.