The Cosmic Geometry of S.H. Raza

S.H. Raza (1922–2016, Babaria, Madhya Pradesh) stands as one of the most iconic modern Indian artists, celebrated for his philosophical exploration of Indian spirituality, nature, and cosmic energy. Throughout his artistic journey, Raza engaged deeply with the concept of the bindu, a dot that symbolizes creation, energy, and life. His work is an intricate fusion of geometry, vibrant color, and spiritual themes, capturing the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the universe. Through his compositions, he invites the viewer into a meditative space, contemplating the cyclical nature of existence and the flow of cosmic forces.

This viewing room showcases some of Raza’s most profound works, translated into exquisite hand-embroidered pieces by Milaaya Art, where each motif and color finds a new dimension through the meticulous use of thread and texture.

Bhoomi, 2001 by S.H. Raza

Dimensions: 39.5 x 39.5 in
Medium: Hand Embroidery on cotton poplin fabric
Bhoomi, meaning 'earth' in Sanskrit stands as a testament to the artist's deep connection with the natural world and his exploration of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the earth. The bindu once again manifests as a focal point as the geometric forms and a vibrant colour capture the essence of the earth's vitality — contemplating the cyclical nature of existence, echoing the perpetual renewal and regeneration found in the natural world.
Embroidery Details:

A mix of bullion, cotton and silk threads are used to create various embroidery stitches like French knots, chain stitch, variations of satin stitch to bring this artwork to life. Concentric circles are raised at irregular intervals to give the artwork a depth.

Gestation II, 1989 by S.H. Raza

Dimensions: 69 x 69 in
Medium: Hand Embroidery on cotton poplin fabric
Gestation speaks of the inert life force or energy that lies in prakriti or creation. A large central bindu lies in waiting — dominant with potential to rise as a phoenix, as the circle of life formed by diagonals, horizontal lines and triangles vibrate to the frequency of the universal order, that seeks to align, facilitate, and maintain harmony and flow between everything in the natural world.
Embroidery Details:

Coloured thread yarns are twisted together and used in the embroidery to mimic the shading of the brush strokes in this masterpiece. The various textures created with cotton and silk threads create a visual delight.

Prakriti, 1997 by S.H. Raza

Dimensions: 47.8 x 47.8 in
Medium: Hand Embroidery on cotton poplin fabric
In his work Prakriti, translated in Sanskrit as the ever-changing aspects of nature, Raza delves into a monochromatic blue palette, demonstrating his ability to convey profound spiritual and philosophical themes of all sentient life. The choice of a singular colour, in this case, blue, associated with depth, serenity, and transcendence, evokes a contemplative mood, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the cosmic energy embodied within the composition. The artist's use of lines, shapes, and the arrangement of forms in blue could be a meditation on the fundamental principles that govern the order of nature, distilled to their essential and harmonious components.
Embroidery Details:

Various textures are created using cotton and silk threads to bring out the essence of each shape. Certain areas are raised to give a dimensional view to the artwork.

Surya Namaskar, 1993 by S.H. Raza

Dimensions: 59 x 59 in
Medium: Hand Embroidery on cotton poplin fabric
In Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation the artist pays tribute to the sun, seen as a symbol of life and cosmic energy, the primal life-giving force to everything on our planet. The artist engages various motifs in this work to address the interconnected of our lived existence and its connection to source and hence the need for preservation of the world that we live in.
Embroidery Details:

Cotton and silk threads are used in myriad techniques to give each element a distinct visual appeal. Certain areas are raised more than the other to give the artwork a play of depth and dimension.

Tanava, 2001 by S.H. Raza

Dimensions: 59.5 x 59.5 in
Medium: Hand Embroidery on cotton poplin fabric
Tanava, in Sanskrit suggests a state of tautness or tension, setting the stage for an exploration of the artist's profound engagement with both form and emotion. In this work, Raza juxtaposes his geometric forms with an interplay of shapes and vibrant colours to represent rhythmic tension and balance, reflecting the duality inherent in all existence.
Embroidery Details:

A range of thread stitches are used in a way to define each shape and yet they all come together in a cohesive manner with the colours tying them all together. Certain elements are raised to give the artwork a dimension.