Shanti Dave, born on September 25, 1931, in the village of Badpura in northern Gujarat, India, is a distinguished Indian painter and sculptor, widely regarded as one of the major Indian artists of the twentieth century. His journey from a modest rural background to becoming a celebrated artist is a testament to his talent, dedication, and innovative approach to art. Dave's early life was marked by financial constraints, being one of four children in a family where his father worked as a government peon. Despite these challenges, Dave's passion for art led him to pursue a career that would eventually earn him national and international recognition. His initial foray into the world of art was through painting signboards and billboards in Ahmedabad, a job that not only provided him with a means of livelihood but also honed his skills as an artist. In 1950, Dave took a significant step towards formalizing his education in art by enrolling at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Under the guidance of eminent artist-teacher N. S. Bendre, Dave completed his graduation between 1950-56 and post-diploma in Fine Art between 1956-58. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic vision and technique, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Dave's experimentation with different media on canvas, beyond traditional oil and acrylics, set him apart from his contemporaries. His work with encaustic, in combination with oil, resulted in paintings with high relief, showcasing his innovative approach to texture and form. This experimentation was not limited to his paintings; Dave also made significant contributions to the field of murals. His large murals adorned the offices of Air India in London, New York, and Frankfurt, among other notable locations, reflecting his modernist concerns and formal abstraction. In 1956, Dave co-founded the Baroda Group with fellow artists, marking a pivotal moment in his career. His talent was recognized early on, as evidenced by his winning the national award of the Lalit Kala Akademi three consecutive years, in 1956, '57, and '58. His contributions to the arts were further acknowledged by the Government of India, which honored him with the Padma Shri in 1985, and the Sahitya Kala Parishad's award in 1986. Dave's interest in printmaking in the mid-1970s highlighted his commitment to exploring different artistic mediums. This phase of his career was characterized by a 'sustained phase' of color woodcuts and linocuts, demonstrating his mastery over texture and form. His work during this period and beyond continued to evolve, with a notable shift towards working in black-and-white on handmade paper and canvas in the 1990s, following a heart stroke. This period saw a calligraphic influence in his work, even as he explored new artistic directions. Throughout his career, Dave participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in India and internationally. His works have been displayed in prestigious galleries and museums, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, and have been sold at notable auction houses such as Christie's and Sotheby's. Dave's contributions to the art world extend beyond his creations; he has served as a member of the executive board of the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Sahitya Kala Parishad, influencing the direction of Indian art. Shanti Dave's legacy is not just in the artworks he created but also in the path he paved for future generations of artists. His life and work embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and a deep connection to his cultural roots, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Indian modernism.

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