Modern Indian artist Syed Haider Raza Alias S.H. Raza died in New Delhi on Saturday following a prolonged illness. He was 94. Raza was suffering from old-age related ailments and was in the ICU of a private hospital for the last two months.
The last rites will be conducted in Mandala in Madhya Pradesh, according to his wishes.
He was awarded the Padma Shri and Fellowship of the Lalit Kala Akademi in 1981, Padma Bhushan in 2007, and Padma Vibhushan in 2013. He was conferred with the highest French civilian honour, the Commandeur de la Legion d’honneur (Legion of Honour) on July 14, 2015
President, Vice President and prime minister have condoled his death.
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of veteran artist S.H. Raza. In a message to his close friend, Poet Shri Ashok Vajpeyi, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of veteran artist, Shri S.H. Raza. In his death, the nation has lost a highly creative and acclaimed artist.
Raza’s contribution to Indian arts was recognized through a number of awards including Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. His death leaves a void in the world of art and creativity which will be difficult to fill.
I convey my heartfelt condolences to his fans and friends. I pray for peace of the departed soul”.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the demise of legendary painter Shri Syed Haider Raza.
“Saddened by the demise of widely acclaimed painter SH Raza, whose contribution to art will always be remembered”, the Prime Minister said.
Syed Haider Raza Alias S.H. Raza was an Indian artist who has lived and worked in France since 1950, but maintains strong ties with India.
His works are mainly abstracts in oil or acrylic, with a very rich use of color, replete with icons from Indian cosmology as well as its philosophy.
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