Interview
Ritu Raj
Ritu Raj was born and raised in Delhi, India, within the realm of literature, art, and philosophy. Ritu is a painter and photographer whose work reflects his upbringing in India, where he was exposed to abstract painting and impactful photography through his father's work as an art critic. Ritu’s large abstract paintings use vibrant colors to convey his emotions and unique perspective of the world. His innovative ventures in the business world have been influenced by his approach to abstract thinking and creativity. Through his art, he hopes to challenge perceptions, evoke emotions, and inspire others to embrace the beauty of abstraction in both art and life. He has been in living in the US for the last 30 years, 28 in San Francisco and the last 2 in Phoenix.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“As a son to an esteemed art critic father, known for his work on India's progressive abstract art movement, and scholarly mother, a professor in English Literature with a bias for Victorian novelists and poets, artistry was never far from reach. My family's life revolved around arts and literature, setting a rich and vibrant background for my early life. As a child, I explored the realm of abstract art and early prodigious interest in photography. Although my interest oscillated towards theater and worldly adolescent endeavors as I grew older, I found my way back to my first love, art, amidst the global pandemic. The transformative period marked my transition from entrepreneurship and corporate leadership to a full-pledged artist determined to express my creative soul.”
What inspires you?
“My creative endeavor doesn't mirror an imposed societal narrative but individual interpretative abstractions. My work allows the audience a glimpse into the innately complex and nuanced realities and emotions of the human condition - adding another unique layer into the often misunderstood sphere of abstract expressionism.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My journey into the creative world is marked by personal transformation, unbounded creativity, and an enduring passion for expressing the abstract aspects of life and human existence. As I continue to break barriers in abstract art, my journey is a continued nod to the freedom, flexibility, and raw authenticity that underlie this often misunderstood yet profoundly expressive art form.”
How would you describe your work?
“My vibrant abstract paintings and impactful photography are a reflection of my inner world, emotions, and unique perspective shaped by my upbringing in India alongside my art critic father. Colors and forms that have been a part of me since childhood come alive in my work, as I allow abstract shapes to take their own form on canvas without sketches. Driven by a desire to push boundaries and explore new possibilities, my projects serve as abstract paintings in the business realm, challenging perceptions and inspiring growth. I believe that abstract art and photography have the power to evoke emotions and prompt viewers to think beyond the ordinary. Working with complete abstractions, I strive to let the art speak for itself and invoke a sense of wonder and discovery in the viewer. Through my art, I hope to encourage others to embrace the beauty of abstraction in all aspects of life.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My influences span a broad spectrum of abstract artists such as Mark Rothko and Gerhard Richter. I believe that art functions as a reflection of an individual's or a community's beliefs, values, and identity.”
“My journey into the creative world is marked by personal transformation, unbounded creativity, and an enduring passion for expressing the abstract aspects of life and human existence.”
What is your creative process like?
“In my creative process, I let my intuition guide me, allowing images in my mind to take on a life of their own on the canvas. Foregoing sketches, I allow the colors to form their language - dynamic, unrestricted, and honest. This approach, coupled with my relentless pursuit of experimentation and medium exploration, gives my work a unique touch that defies pattern or style.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I deeply care about the human condition, and I believe that abstract art plays a role in expanding the sense of wonder in living of our lives. I am a stand for young children have access to abstract art in museums and galleries, expanding their thinking beyond the square box, producing the next generation of thinkers, artists and philosophers, we need people to connect to other humans and the human condition.”
