Important Notice

"A painting grows gradually, organically. The bija, the seed, is the beginning of human life. This miniscule point which is energy condensed can grow from its embryonic form - to give birth to a whole series of paintings."
- S H Raza

The present lot, titled Germination, shares the name with an important series of paintings done by Raza, in which he explores the idea of birth and growth. Germination is the process of a... "A painting grows gradually, organically. The bija, the seed, is the beginning of human life. This miniscule point which is energy condensed can grow from its embryonic form - to give birth to a whole series of paintings."
- S H Raza

The present lot, titled Germination, shares the name with an important series of paintings done by Raza, in which he explores the idea of birth and growth. Germination is the process of a seed growing into a plant. This theme is discussed in theological texts and teachings, of both of Hindu and Christian origins, which Raza re-immersed himself in after marrying Janine Mongillat, and moving to the rural town of Gorbio in the south of France. "Every morning Raza would stop by the ancient church in this village, spending ten to fifteen minutes alone in meditation; a process akin to emptying the mind." (Geeti Sen, Bindu: Space and Time in Raza's Vision, New Delhi: Media Transasia Ltd., 1997, p. 113) Raza's signature bindu is present as a representation of both the seed from which nature is created, as well as the embryo in which human life is begun. This duality unites the relationship of man with nature and the bindu now becomes charged with emotion and vitality, where birth and the beginning of life are emphasised.

Surrounding the bindu are triangles framed within a horizontal plane which focuses attention to the centre of the painting to create a horizon line, comprised of shades of brown to represent the earth. Underneath the bindu are a series of inverted triangles which symbolise prakriti, or the female kinetic energy moving down towards the bottom of the painting. This suggests the process of germination in both the seed and the embryo. Within the backdrop of the painting there are other triangles which represent the purush or the male energy. When combined with the prakriti these figures provide the fertilization of the embryo or Bindu, leading to germination.

This painting was created in 1987, during a period in Raza's life when he was drawn to his homeland and visited India more frequently. The dominant earth tones of black and brown are reminiscent of the forested village of Kakaiya, from Raza's childhood and reveal his bond to his roots.

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