Shanti Dave

Shanti Dave, born in 1931 in the village of Badpura in north Gujarat, emerged as a pioneering figure in Indian art, particularly known for his innovative exploration of different media on canvas. Growing up in modest circumstances, Dave initially supported himself as a signboard and banner painter in Ahmedabad before pursuing formal art education at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M. S. University, Baroda, under the guidance of renowned artist N. S. Bendre.

Dave's artistic journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of experimentation, especially with encaustic combined with oil, resulting in paintings distinguished by their high relief. His work extended beyond traditional mediums, encompassing large murals that adorned prestigious locations like Air India's offices in London, New York, and Frankfurt. These murals showcased Dave's modernist sensibilities, characterized by formal abstraction and a keen focus on the possibilities of the medium rather than ideological narratives.

A co-founder of the Baroda Group in 1956, Dave garnered significant recognition throughout his career. He was honored with the Lalit Kala Akademi's national award for three consecutive years from 1956 to 1958 and received the prestigious Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1985. Additionally, he was recognized by the Sahitya Kala Parishad with an award in 1986 for his artistic contributions.

Dave's artistic legacy extends globally, with numerous solo and group exhibitions in India and abroad, including participation in renowned international exhibitions like the Commonwealth Exhibition in London and the International Graphic Exhibition in Switzerland. His works are treasured in private and corporate art collections worldwide, reflecting his enduring impact on the art world. Today, Shanti Dave continues to be a respected member of the artistic community, contributing significantly to the realm of Indian art and printmaking.