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Lot Essay
The idea of nature figures prominently in Raza's work. According to him, man is intrinsically linked to his surroundings and has a keen awareness of his environment and the elements which constitute it.
The artist says: 'Earth, water, fire, air and sky. These are the pancha tattvas: kshiti, jala, pavak, gagan and samirain; painting the five elements we use the five colors: black, white, yellow, red and blue, giving birth to a vision of nature. But the most perfect orchestration of color and form is insufficient if the painting is not invested by profound feeling. This is possible only in an elevated state of direct perception, manasa pratyakshata, how this miracle happens, how this state is achieved, how one feels - not even the artist knows... the artist is the medium, an executor; the dictates come from higher forces which give energy, clear perception and infuse the soul, indispensable to art.' (As told to Geeti Sen, Bindu: Space and Time in Raza's Vision, New Delhi, 1997, p. 11.)
The colors of nature are of great importance to Raza and the landscapes of both France and India are an inspiration to him. His canvases are filled with a vibrancy and richness of color which one could compare to those found in any Indian city or village, where every bit of space is invested with motion and color. The aesthetic relevance of color is of the utmost importance in his work. As he aptly states, 'Raga is a certain melody which colors the heart of man. Color in Indian art is ecstasy.' (S.H. Raza, Mindscapes, Delhi Art Gallery, New Delhi, 2001, p. 5.)
The artist says: 'Earth, water, fire, air and sky. These are the pancha tattvas: kshiti, jala, pavak, gagan and samirain; painting the five elements we use the five colors: black, white, yellow, red and blue, giving birth to a vision of nature. But the most perfect orchestration of color and form is insufficient if the painting is not invested by profound feeling. This is possible only in an elevated state of direct perception, manasa pratyakshata, how this miracle happens, how this state is achieved, how one feels - not even the artist knows... the artist is the medium, an executor; the dictates come from higher forces which give energy, clear perception and infuse the soul, indispensable to art.' (As told to Geeti Sen, Bindu: Space and Time in Raza's Vision, New Delhi, 1997, p. 11.)
The colors of nature are of great importance to Raza and the landscapes of both France and India are an inspiration to him. His canvases are filled with a vibrancy and richness of color which one could compare to those found in any Indian city or village, where every bit of space is invested with motion and color. The aesthetic relevance of color is of the utmost importance in his work. As he aptly states, 'Raga is a certain melody which colors the heart of man. Color in Indian art is ecstasy.' (S.H. Raza, Mindscapes, Delhi Art Gallery, New Delhi, 2001, p. 5.)