Shiavax Chavda (Gujarat)
About Artist
Born in Navsari, Gujarat, Shiavax Chavda began his formal art training at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai before earning the Sir Ratan Tata Scholarship in 1936 to study at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Following his studies in London, he furthered his expertise at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, where he encountered artists like Picasso and worked on set designs with Leon Bakst for the Diaghilev Ballet. These experiences enriched his understanding of form, movement, and the essence of his subjects, qualities that became the hallmark of his work. Chavda’s art was deeply inspired by Indian classical dance and music, and he travelled extensively to capture the spirit of India’s cultural heritage. Known for his expressive lines and mastery of movement, his work often portrayed dancers and musicians with a unique vibrancy, capturing both physicality and emotion with a few deft strokes. He held his first solo exhibition in Mumbai in 1945, followed by exhibitions across Indonesia, Singapore, Europe, and India, and participated in international shows, including the UNESCO International Exhibition in 1946 and the Salon de Mai in Paris in 1951. Chavda's legacy is preserved in prestigious collections such as the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery. His murals adorn spaces like the National Centre for the Performing Arts and Air India offices.Artwork
