Gestation, painted in 1989, marks a significant period in S.H. Raza's artistic journey. This era is considered the pinnacle of his creative vision, representing a profound return to his Indian roots after decades of exploration across the world. Having lived in France for over five decades, Raza enriched his artistic horizons with the avant-garde movements of Europe and the United States, yet his heart remained tethered to the vibrant culture of India.
This monumental painting is a symphony of colors and forms, where Raza melds the inverted chevron pattern—a symbolic representation of trees—with the warm, earthy palette. His fascination with pure geometry and color symbolism is evident, as he once said:
“I have interpreted the universe in terms of five primary colours: black, white, red, blue, and yellow. A total chromatic expression can be achieved by mixing primary colours with other secondary colours, such as greens, browns, and ochres. From there you can move to a great austerity of colours till you come to a supreme purity of form." - S.H. Raza
