Raza turns 90, set to launch fellowship on Art Criticism

New Delhi: 

Syed Haider Raza, the grand old man of modern Indian art who celebrated his 90th birthday here yesterday. In his 91st year, the senior artist who had set up the Raza Foundation in the year 2001 to promote young artists in the fields of fine arts, performing arts and poetry is now set to launch fellowships on art criticism. Raza Sahib's deep passion for art and his never say die attitude draws him towards the brush and paints. He has always believed that whatever be the form of art it is essential for the practioner to be disciplined and work towards it, said Ashok Vajpayee, noted writer former Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi. Vajpayee said Raza who had gone through a period of struggle in his initial days had established the Raza Foundation to promote young talents in the fields of fine arts, performing arts and poetry. The body annually awards two visual artists, a poet, a musician and a dancer. From this year onwards, the foundation plans to add fellowships in art criticism too, according to Vajpayee who is also a founder member of the Raza Foundation. Memorial lectures named after V S Gaitonde, Kumar Gandharva, Habib Tanvir, Agyeya, Kelucharan Mohapatra and Mani Kaul as well as a series of panel discussions in a new series, called 'Art Matters' are also scheduled in the future. There are also plans to revive the yesteryear Hindi magazine 'Samas' to give a platform for art, literature and music and initiate debates discussions among people, says Vajpayee.  

A close associate of Raza describes the artist as one who is fond of nature and keeps up with the contemporary times.  He is an artist who keeps There is rarely ever a day when he does not visit his studio or does not touch his paint and brushes. Perhaps this is the reason why age has not yet been able to restrict him in any way and he continues to worship art today. Art provides him with energy and life strength. Even in the twilight of his life he remains active in his efforts to take Indian art to greater heights, says Sanjeev Chaubey. Born on February 22, the artist who is now widely acknowledged as one of the masters of modern Indian art had humble beginnings in Madhya Pradesh and received his training in art at Nagpur and Mumbai. After winning a French government scholarship he moved on to Paris to pursue further studies in art in 1950. Since then he stayed on France for sixty years where he set up his home and studios. Over a year ago he returned to India and said he planned to spend the rest of his life in his home country. In the year 2010, Saurashtra a work by the artist created a record by becoming the costliest modern Indian painting that was auctioned at USD 3.5 million dollars in a London auction.