Description
Born in a carpenter family on 24 October 1971, He is an established contemporary artist, currently engaged in painting large-size canvases, making large-size sheet metal installations, fine art contemporary photography, and video installations. Studied in Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune in the faculty of fine arts. Raju’s journey as an artist began with significant mentorship and inspiration from some of the most prominent figures in Indian art, including M. F. Hussain, Akbar Padamsee, Prabhakar Barwe, and particularly Vijay Shinde. It was under Shinde’s influence that Raju first found himself drawn to abstraction, an abstraction that would shape his future work. After graduating from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya in 1992, Raju’s path took a pivotal turn when he met Arun Sachdev, the founder of Gallery 7. Their intense year-long conversations had a profound impact on Raju’s artistic philosophy. Sachdev challenged him with the notion that almost everything in art had already been done, prompting Raju to reflect deeply on what new contributions he could make. Raju responded by suggesting that while the surface of art might have been extensively explored, the deeper layers still held vast, untapped potential. This idea became the cornerstone of his artistic exploration. Raju’s quest for these deeper layers led him to immerse himself in philosophical and scientific literature. He found inspiration in the works of philosophers like J Krishnamurti and Nisargadatta Maharaj, and in the complex ideas presented in books on quantum physics by authors such as Fritjof Capra. These readings enriched his understanding of depth and abstraction, and he often referenced these thinkers and concepts in his work, using them to delve into deeper levels of abstraction. Throughout his career, Raju has been driven by the pursuit of what he calls the ‘depths of abstraction.’ This pursuit represents his ongoing effort to explore the profound, abstract dimensions of art that lie beyond the obvious and the familiar. Today, Raju continues to evolve as an artist, constantly seeking new ways to express the deeper layers of abstraction in his work. His dedication to this quest, fueled by his philosophical influences, ensures that his art remains a dynamic and ever-evolving exploration of the abstract. Raju has been involved in the Curation for a long time. He sees himself as a Meta-Artist while curating exhibitions and shows. He has curated several important exhibitions by national as well as international artists. He is engaged with Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture as H.O.D. Curation/ Collection/ Conservation. He was also part of the Indian Ceramic Triennale as the curator in collaboration with Creative Dignity. Recognized as a fine art expert and invited to visit Documenta 13, Kassel, Germany, asked by Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan, Pune). Also was a part X Florence Biennale 2015 as an artist. He was a part of Sm’art Aix art salon held in Aix en Provence, France. He has curated and participated as an artist in a collateral section in India’s prestigious Kochi-Muziris Biennale twice. He was invited as the first international artist to the ‘House Conspiracy’ Art Residency in Brisbane, Australia. He was also a part of A.P.T. fringe exhibition in Brisbane, Australia, in 2019. He has curated and conceptualised ‘Raigad Activista’, an International exhibition held at Sane Guruji National Memorial, Mangaon and Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh, Mumbai 2020. The importance of realising the inner power marks the characteristics of understanding Raju’s work. His prolific knowledge and multi-dimensional capacity give him unfettered access to all media. He effortlessly glides from traditional to digital art forms, connecting to both ends as a creator and a witness. He conducts various public art activities to effect a qualitative change in the art field and to connect it with the common man. It involves students, teachers and artists and focuses on how to take it to the next meaningful level. He looks at art in a very comprehensive and multi-dimensional way
