Description :
Shanti Dave, born on September 25, 1931, in Badpura, Gujarat, is a pioneering Indian artist known for his abstract style. After earning a Master of Fine Arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 1956, he began his career painting commercial signboards.
This early experience influenced his later work, which blends traditional motifs like ‘Om’ and ‘Sri’ with modern techniques. Dave is recognized for combining wax and oil painting to create textured, abstract works that reflect both spiritual and visual depth.
Over his career, he has completed notable murals in international locations, including JFK Airport in New York and Air India offices in Frankfurt and Sydney. His work has been showcased in major exhibitions worldwide, such as the Paris Biennale (1961), Sao Paulo Biennale (1980), and NGMA’s National Exposition (1991). Among his many honors are the Padma Shri (1985) and the Lalit Kala Akademi Ratna (2004).