Piraji Sagar

 Piraji Sagar was a prominent Indian painter and sculptor from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, renowned for his unique contributions to the art world. Born on 2 February 1931 in Ahmedabad, Sagar demonstrated a natural talent for art from an early age. After matriculating in 1950, he pursued a drawing course and eventually became a drawing teacher. He completed his Masters in Drawing in 1957 and in Arts in 1960 from Sir J. J. School of Art, Bombay. His brother, Ishwar Sagar, also became an artist, learning the craft from Piraji despite lacking formal art education.

In 1963, Sagar began teaching art at the School (now Faculty) of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, where he continued until his retirement. He remained active at the university until his death on 23 January 2014 in Ahmedabad.

Sagar introduced wood collages to the art world, incorporating coloured boards, tin plates, brass plates, and nails into his sculptures and paintings. His works often drew inspiration from the folk traditions of Gujarat. His art was exhibited internationally, including at the São Paulo Biennale in Brazil in 1971, the Art Now in India exhibition across Europe in 1972–73, and the Exhibition of Asian Artists by Fukukoma Museum of Art, Tokyo in 1979–80. He was also invited to the 12th International Festival of Painters at Cagne Sur-Mer, France.

Sagar’s work often explored themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, the inherent contradictions in human existence, and the chaos and mystery of the natural world. His distinctive style earned him several accolades, including medals from the Kolkata Fine Arts Academy in 1960 and 1961, the first prize from the Gujarat State Lalit Kala Akademi in 1962, and an award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in 1963. The basement of the Faculty of Architecture at CEPT University was later named in his honour, cementing his legacy in the art world.