Sojourn: A Journey in Colour and Consciousness

Sayed Haider Raza never painted landscapes alone, he painted memory, emotion and philosophy. From the forests of Madhya Pradesh to the artistic circles of Paris, every phase of his life found expression on canvas, evolving from lyrical landscapes into the powerful geometric abstractions that redefined Indian Modernism.

His iconic Bindu became far more than a simple dot. It emerged as a symbol of creation, energy and the universe itself, inspired by Indian philosophy and years of introspection. Alongside celebrated works such as Jaipur, Tree and his abstract compositions, volume two of Sojourn: Selected Works (1940–2015) also revisits his early figurative watercolours, expressive townscapes, and the pivotal years that shaped his visual language—from his role as a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group to his transformative years in France.

Sojourn: Selected Works (1940–2015) Volume II presents a richly documented journey through Raza’s creative life. Featuring rare archival photographs, personal anecdotes and meticulously catalogued artworks, it offers an in-depth look at one of India’s most influential Modern artists and the ideas that shaped his enduring legacy.

It’s an exploration of an artist’s lifelong search for harmony, balance and spiritual truth—revealing how colour, geometry and memory came together to create one of the most recognisable visual languages in Indian art.

Published by The Arts Trust, in association with AstaGuru.