Thapar Gallery in New Delhi is hosting an exhibition titled "Master Artist A. A. Raiba: A Unilateral Eclectic," a tribute to the late Indian modernist Abdul Aziz Raiba. The show, on view until 21 June 2026, explores Raiba's six-decade career across murals, paintings on jute, reverse glass paintings, serigraphs, calligraphy, and sketches, highlighting his synthesis of Indo-Islamic traditions, European academic naturalism, the Bengal School, and European modernity. Historian Shivaji K Panikkar provides curatorial insight, noting Raiba's independence from group affiliations and his use of grids and strong linear outlines.
This exhibition matters because it brings renewed attention to Abdul Aziz Raiba, a significant yet underrecognized figure in Indian modernism whose eclectic practice bridges multiple artistic traditions. By showcasing his technical versatility and unique visual language, the show contributes to a deeper understanding of India's modernist heritage and the multicultural influences that shaped it, offering both scholars and the public a chance to reassess Raiba's legacy.