His gestural brushstrokes along with vibrant colours gave a unique energy to his early landscape paintings. But years later, his art became more subtle yet dynamic. Syed Haider Raza left aside painting landscapes for a geometric abstraction and the “Bindu”.
Recognising the eminent artist and his works, the Jawaharlal Darda Foundation has instituted an award in his name.
The first ever award named after the artist as “Raza Ejaz Samman,” was given away by vice-president Hamid Ansari to city-based artist B. Manjunath Kamath on Monday. Octogenarian Raza, who was present on the occasion, attentively listened to everyone speaking in the ceremony and joined his hands to thank his supporters, whenever there was a huge round of applause from the audience, appreciating the artist.
With trembling hands and frequently blinking eyes, Raza, who had a perpetual smile on his face, said, “As a naïve, 20-year-old young man, I was not confident about myself. When I realised I was not good at studies, I thought I was worth nothing. I suggest young, emerging artists concentrate on art and not think of results. Don’t be in a hurry.”
Mr Raza, who is currently working on an exhibition, to be held in New Delhi on November 20, said it took him 50 years to know what painting was and understand this “silent language”. The artist, who has returned to the country of his birth after spending six decades in France said, “In the silence of the night, I used to think that I have everything but still something is missing. I realised what I was doing was French art. I asked myself where was India in my paintings. This is when I concentrated on the Bindu.”
Vice-president Hamid Ansari, who gave away the award said, “There should be no constraints for the artists when they express themselves. Also, artist like every other human being, requires sustenance and that is where the role of the society comes into play.” Dr Ansari said, “Individual patronage as well as state patronage will go a long way to promote artists.” For 39-year-old Kamath, born in Mangalore, the only way to express himself is through visual art.
He said, “I have chosen the silent language. I don’t know how to talk…perhaps that’s why I am a visual artist.” The award carries an amount of `5 lakh.