Ritu Raj
Artist
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. After moving to the United States on a tech visa (and later becoming a U.S. citizen), Ritu became a trailblazer in cloud computing and IT solutions, holding leadership positions at TMP Worldwide, Avasta, and Accenture. He went on to found Wag Hotels, revolutionizing pet hospitality, and led innovative initiatives in the lab-grown diamond industry. Yet, throughout his entrepreneurial journey, art remained a constant, particularly photography, which he refined under the mentorship of O.P. Sharma. His unique perspective is rooted in a lifelong drive to explore the intersections of logic, emotion, and human connection, bringing fresh perspectives to every venture he undertakes. Though newer to the professional art scene, his photographs have been featured in Leica Viewfinder Magazine, and his artistic vision is shaped by his mathematical precision, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to continuous innovation—the same principles that have defined his multifaceted career.
​
Ritu Raj's work inspires a deep appreciation for abstraction as a way of understanding life. He views abstraction as essential for exploring human experience beyond representation, creating space for emotions and ideas that transcend words. Philosophically influenced by Martin Heidegger, Ritu sees art as an evolving experience that challenges perception and evokes introspection into reality and spirituality. A polymath with experience in fields like mathematics, cloud computing, and linguistics, Ritu bridges scientific precision with creative expression, merging geometric abstraction, rich textures, and experimentation. Inspired by technological innovations, he explores new materials and techniques to deepen his visual language. His journey has led him from monochromatic works during solitude to vibrant palettes inspired by his marriage in India. Recently, he has embraced fluid forms through innovative techniques like baker’s string manipulation and CNC-machined wood. Ritu believes art offers reflection, joy, and hope. He invites viewers to uncover their own narratives within the interplay of form, color, and texture, exploring the limitless possibilities of abstraction.
