Sayed Haider Raza (1922–2016) was one of India’s most celebrated modern artists and a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group. Born in Madhya Pradesh, Raza studied at the Nagpur School of Art and Sir J. J. School of Art before moving to France in 1950, where he developed his artistic language while engaging with European modernism.

His early works focused on expressive landscapes, gradually evolving into a deeper exploration of abstraction. Inspired by Indian philosophy, nature, and spiritual concepts, Raza created his iconic “Bindu” series, where the central point became a symbol of cosmic energy, creation, and the essence of existence. His later works incorporated ideas from Tantra, Prakriti-Purusha, Kundalini, and Indian metaphysics.

Known for his vibrant use of colour, geometric forms, and meditative compositions, Raza transformed Indian spiritual ideas into a universal visual language. He received numerous honours including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur. His legacy continues as a major influence in Indian contemporary art.