Sayed Haider Raza

Known for working against the grain of European Realism, Syed Haider Raza explored Indian cosmology and its philosophy through a repertoire of abstract forms.

Raza’s oeuvre progressed from expressive landscapes to pure abstraction when he introduced the concept of the Bindu to his work in the 1980s. Geometric forms went on to become an inherent motif of Raza’s practice representing complex concepts including the Tribhuj (Triangle); Prakriti-Purusha (the female and male energy); and subjects such as Kundalini Nagas and the Mahabharat. 

Although remaining close to his Indian heritage, Raza moved to France in 1950 where he studied and lived for many years. He received three civilian awards in honour of his services to society from the Indian Government and was also awarded the Legion of Honor by the French Government in 2015. Raza was elected a fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi in 1984 and formed the Raza Foundation. His work has been exhibited in group and solo shows internationally.