Blueprint for an Art Vault

In 1950,when SH Raza was packing his bags to study art at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris,he took with him the letters written to him by fellow artists.

SH Raza plans to open a museum in Delhi for art works and letters in his personal collection

In 1950,when SH Raza was packing his bags to study art at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris,he took with him the letters written to him by fellow artists. A young,nostalgic Raza kept these in the library of his Paris apartment. Over the years,he added more letters sent by friends and contemporaries like MF Husain and FN Souza,who described the art scene in India to the Parisian. The correspondence will now be made public at a museum planned by Raza in Delhi . The letters give insight into their concerns about Indian art back then, says Raza,88,pointing out that at the museum the letters will share space with artwork and artifacts from his personal collection.

The Delhi government,Raza says,has been approached for land for the museum. Artist Manish Pushkale,who is assisting Raza in the project,says,We have been told that we will be given space at the culture centre that will be built in Dwarka.

The design of the museum,meanwhile,is being planned. Razas art collection,including some of his early works from landscapes to the trademark bindu will be on display in one section. Another gallery will be used for private exhibitions and a room will be reserved for performing arts. Razas books will be moved from his Paris home to a library at the centre.

I dont have much artwork in my collection as most of it was donated to a museum in Gorbio in southeastern France,but all that is with me will go to the museum. I am also purchasing new works and I think some of my friends will be willing to part with their private collection, says Raza.

For now,after a Delhi sojourn,the artist is packing his bags for Paris,only to return next year for good. I intend to sell my Paris apartment and shift base to Delhi. Ill be here next year,when the work on the culture centre should also begin actively. Itll be a place where people can discuss art,which is required to promote art education, says Raza. Pushkale adds,We are looking for a home for Raza in Hauz Khas.

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