Page 88 - Manifest September 2024

Abstracts & Raza

IMPORTANT WORKS FROM THE 1970–80S

UNTITLED RAJASTHAN
26.4 x 26.4 in (67 x 67 cm) 39.5 x 39.5 in (100.3 x 100.3 cm)
Acrylic on canvas, 1976 Acrylic on canvas, 1975

RAJASTHAN
31.5 x 31.5 in (80 x 80 cm)
Acrylic on canvas, 1983

UNTITLED
32 x 25.6 in (81 x 65 cm)
Acrylic on canvas, 1977
PRESENTED LOT

Executed by S H Raza in 1977, this landscape is a fine
example of the artist’s preoccupation with utilising colours
as symbols. While his early landscapes, executed during
the 1950s, depicted several figurative elements, as time
progressed, they appeared less and were substituted by
expressionism. These vibrant bursts of colour were further
enhanced by the palette and brushstrokes, referring to
the environment and the sentiments the artist wanted to
express. He often used his brushwork to express the varied
emotions that he experienced especially with regard to
India. Although the artist was well travelled and spent a
large span of time in France, he was always drawn to the
Indian landscape, especially that of Central India where
he grew up. While the 1950s saw abstract renditions of
GREEN LANDSCAPE the landscapes of Southern France with elements such PAYSAGE PROVENCAL UNTITLED
39.4 x 39.4 in (100 x 100 cm) as churches and houses, the later years saw him look 28.5 x 19.5 in (72.4 x 49.5 cm) 25.6 x 19.6 in (65 x 49.8 cm)
Acrylic on canvas, 1981 homeward for inspiration. Acrylic on canvas, 1974 Acrylic on canvas, 1982