L'inconnu

by S.H. Raza
(inclusive of taxes)

All orders are insured for transit.

We ship worldwide.

Details

Medium: Serigraph on Paper
Size: 40 x 26 inches
Year: 2006
Provenance: Signed by the artist
Color: Printed in 48 colors
Edition: Edition of 100

Description

‘L’inconnu’, meaning ‘the unknown’, was painted by S.H. Raza in 1972. It's from the artist's gestural phase, after he had visited the United States and returned to settle in France. 

Two distinct parts to this vertical canvas emphasize the demarcation of two divided spaces in the mind. In the upper half, against the vacuum of red space, are inscribed the beginnings of a poem in Hindi, in devanagari script . The words ring out with the poignancy of his journey, "Let the path be unknown; let the heart be filled with solitude." 

The lower half is the gestural work that feeds on Raza's memories of the deep jungles of Madhya Pradesh from his childhood, that terrified him as a boy. The strokes signify the seductive beat of drums and the scene of the dancers swaying to the music; the kaleidoscope of colours perhaps significantly reminded him of India. Art critic Jean-Dominique Rey sees in these glowing colours and forms, the native village of Raza. They glow with the recollection of a world once known.

This Limited Edition Serigraph is printed in 48 colors on archival paper. The serigraph was published in an edition size of 100. This item will be shipped unframed, in a roll. The paper size is 40 x 26 inch, image size is 33.50 x 17 inch. The print is signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

  • ABOUT S.H. Raza

    Sayed Haider Raza, or S.H. Raza is one of India’s most celebrated artists. Born on 22 February, 1922 in Madhya Pradesh, Raza was instrumental in creating a distinct modernist identity for Indian art alongside other acclaimed masters such as M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, and Akbar Padamsee, who were all part of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG).

    For his invaluable contribution to Indian art, S.H. Raza has been awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India. Raza was also awarded with the highest French civilian honour, the ‘Legion of Honour’, in July 2015.

    S.H. Raza became one of India's priciest modern artists when his seminal work, Saurashtra, was sold for Rs. 16.42 crore ($3.48 million) at a Christie’s auction in June 2010. His works are mainly abstracts in oil or acrylic, with a very rich use of colour, replete with icons from Indian cosmology as well as its philosophy.

    Raza studied painting at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1950 to 1953, and continued living in France for many years with his wife, the French artist Janine Mongillat. After she passed away in 2002, he moved to New Delhi, India, where he continued to paint for several hours a day even when he was in his 90s, until he passed away on 23 July, 2016.

    Read More
  • ABOUT Limited Edition Prints

    Limited Edition Prints are a series of identical prints of an artwork, commissioned by the artist. Restricted to a one-time printing of a certain number of pieces, each print is numbered and signed by the artist, establishing its’ authenticity.

    Because the number of prints is limited, signed prints of acclaimed artists hold value, and can be investment-worthy, just like original works of art. Christie’s and Sotheby’s – the world’s two most renowned auction houses – hold auctions exclusively for prints. A Pablo Picasso print sold for US$1.7 million in 2010!

    There are different techniques in printmaking, including offset printing, digital printing, giclée, lithography and serigraphy. Serigraphy, or silk screen printing is considered one of the most sophisticated techniques. In this process, thick, opaque colours are passed through the screen, creating prints with vibrant colours and beautiful textures, that make the artwork look like a painting.

    Works by any artist are limited, and prints are a fantastic way for acclaimed artists, to make their art available to a larger number of people. This makes limited edition prints popular amongst new art buyers as well as seasoned art collectors.

    Read More

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE