Shanti Dave was one of the earliest Indian artists to explore various media on canvas, transcending traditional oil and acrylics. His innovative experiments with encaustic, combined with oil, resulted in paintings with remarkable high relief. Born in 1931, Dave is recognized as one of the major Indian artists of the twentieth century. In 1985, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country.
Among his notable works are “Mother and Child” and “The Wheel Player,” created in the 1950s, and a depiction of Ganesh completed in 1991. Dave’s modern works reflect the richness of Indian culture, showcasing his exceptional artistic expertise through techniques he developed himself, establishing him as one of the finest artists of his generation. Alongside Husain, he is one of the few artists to achieve such remarkable feats.
His serigraphy collection has garnered numerous national and international awards, bringing pride to India on the global stage. Before pursuing his formal education, he earned a living painting signboards and billboards for films. He later enrolled at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University, Baroda, where he studied under the esteemed artist-teacher N.S. Bendre, completing both his graduation (1950-56) and post-diploma in Fine Art (1956-58).
In addition to his paintings, Dave is known for his large murals, including those that adorned Air India’s offices in London, New York, and Frankfurt. He co-founded the Baroda Group in 1956 with fellow artists. His creations are showcased in prominent art galleries, such as the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, and many public spaces. His works have been sold at prestigious auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams.
For many emerging art collectors, owning a Shanti Dave piece is a dream, while existing collectors take pride in having his work in their collections globally. Padmashri Dave’s serigraph evokes sringara and bhakti rasa through their tender depictions of love and devotion, particularly in his portrayals of mother and child and deities like Ganesh. His vibrant colors, intricate textures, and emotions also reflect the richness of Indian culture.
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
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