‘A A Raiba: The Inner Contour’ – exhibition on modernist artist

Gallery Dotwalk is organising an exhibition titled A A Raiba: The Inner Contour on the works of artist Abdul Aziz Raiba (1922–2016). The exhibition preview will be held on November 1 at 6 PM at Travancore Palace, New Delhi. It will be open to the public from November 2 to 10, between 11 AM and 6 PM. Art historian and curator R Siva Kumar is the curatorial advisor.

The exhibition features Raiba’s early paintings, drawings, artist books, experimental works, and archival photographs. It traces his journey from academic training at the Sir JJ School of Art to his later explorations inspired by travels in Kashmir and other regions.

Sreejith CN, founder of Gallery Dotwalk, said the exhibition presents the evolution of Raiba’s visual language and explores his use of form and material.

The show focuses on Raiba’s use of contour and line, which became a defining element in his work. His bold outlines marked a departure from the miniature painting tradition in which he was trained. Influenced by Islamic calligraphy and Urdu poetry, Raiba’s work reflects precision and control in the use of line.

Raiba also experimented with unconventional materials such as saree fabric and jute cloth, which required strong and confident brushwork. The exhibition includes archival documents, films, and research material that provide insight into his process and approach.

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A A Raiba: The Inner Contour aims to highlight Raiba’s contribution to Indian modernism and his independent artistic approach outside dominant trends.

When: November 2–10, 2025; 11 AM – 6 PM

Where: Travancore Palace, New Delhi