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Lot Essay
As the visual elements in Raza's works changed over the last few decades, there has been a simultaneous shift in the creative process as well. Where as in the early years saw a strong element of spontaneity in his works, now the work is carefully conceived from start to finish before Raza begins painting. As he says: "Thinking precedes the act of painting." (Geeti Sen, Bindu: Space and Time in Raza's Vision, New Delhi, 1997, p. 11.)
The reference to the natural elements such as water and earth is still present, however they are filtered to pure geometry and pure colours, where they return to their essential meaning as principles which govern the universe. "Geometrical forms are used to map the universe. Here, the vocabulary of pure plastic form acquires an integral purpose: to relate the shape and rhythm of these forms to Nature." (ibid, p. 118.)
The idea of 'janama' or birth is also important, as it forms the link between Man and Nature. It is the "resurgent spirit of rebirth, of the fertilising powers of the sun and the earth which converge to give birth to new life." (ibid, p. 19.)
The reference to the natural elements such as water and earth is still present, however they are filtered to pure geometry and pure colours, where they return to their essential meaning as principles which govern the universe. "Geometrical forms are used to map the universe. Here, the vocabulary of pure plastic form acquires an integral purpose: to relate the shape and rhythm of these forms to Nature." (ibid, p. 118.)
The idea of 'janama' or birth is also important, as it forms the link between Man and Nature. It is the "resurgent spirit of rebirth, of the fertilising powers of the sun and the earth which converge to give birth to new life." (ibid, p. 19.)