Artist Statement & Bio

Exploring Abstraction

Man with glasses, bald head, and beard, wearing a blue shirt, looking at the camera.

RITU RAJ

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Artist Statement

Ritu Raj's work seeks to inspire a deep appreciation for abstraction, not merely as an artistic style but as a profound way of understanding life. While abstraction may be unfamiliar to many, he views it as essential for exploring human experience beyond the confines of representation. Unlike conceptual art, which explains and describes, abstraction generates without explanation, creating space for emotions, ideas, and connections that transcend words. Philosophically, his artistic journey is shaped by the ideas of Martin Heidegger, who believed that art reveals the essence of being. This perspective resonates deeply with Ritu—he sees art not as a static object to be viewed but as an evolving experience that challenges perception, evokes emotion, and invites introspection into reality, consciousness, and spirituality. 

  • As a polymath, Ritu has worked across a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, cloud computing, entrepreneurship, linguistics, dog hospitality, and lab-grown diamonds. This diverse background enables him to bridge scientific precision with creative expression, shaping an approach that merges geometric abstraction, rich textures, and continuous experimentation. Drawing inspiration from his technological innovations, he pushes artistic boundaries by exploring new materials and techniques, deepening his visual expression. 

    Ritu’s artistic evolution mirrors the transformative experiences of his life. A period of solitude drew him to monochromatic works, while his marriage in India brought a vibrant palette to his creations. Recently, his exploration of organic movement has led to the incorporation of fluid forms, employing innovative techniques such as baker’s string manipulation and the use of CNC-machined wood and epoxy to add depth and dimension to his pieces. In a world marked by uncertainty, Ritu believes that art offers reflection, joy, and hope. He invites viewers to engage with his work, uncovering their own narratives within the interplay of form, color, and texture—a journey into the limitless possibilities of abstraction.

Person sitting on a round leather chair in front of abstract paintings.

INAUGURAL EXHIBITION

Artist Bio

Born in New Delhi in 1964, Ritu Raj is a polymath whose dynamic journey spans technology, mathematics, entrepreneurship, and fine art. Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, he has excelled across diverse fields, bringing his forward-thinking mindset to cloud computing, linguistics, dog hospitality, and the lab-grown diamond industry. Raised in an intellectually and culturally vibrant family, Ritu was immersed in the arts from a young age. His father, K.B. Goel, was a renowned art critic and champion of Abstract Expressionism, while his extended family included influential artists such as photographer Raghu Rai and artists M.F. Husain and F.N. Souza. Despite this artistic environment, Ritu initially pursued mathematics and technology, driven by a passion for logic and problem-solving. 

  • As a polymath, Ritu has worked across a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, cloud computing, entrepreneurship, linguistics, dog hospitality, and lab-grown diamonds. This diverse background enables him to bridge scientific precision with creative expression, shaping an approach that merges geometric abstraction, rich textures, and continuous experimentation. Drawing inspiration from his technological innovations, he pushes artistic boundaries by exploring new materials and techniques, deepening his visual expression. 

    Ritu’s artistic evolution mirrors the transformative experiences of his life. A period of solitude drew him to monochromatic works, while his marriage in India brought a vibrant palette to his creations. Recently, his exploration of organic movement has led to the incorporation of fluid forms, employing innovative techniques such as baker’s string manipulation and the use of CNC-machined wood and epoxy to add depth and dimension to his pieces. In a world marked by uncertainty, Ritu believes that art offers reflection, joy, and hope. He invites viewers to engage with his work, uncovering their own narratives within the interplay of form, color, and texture—a journey into the limitless possibilities of abstraction.