Moving colours: A modern great who infused new dynamism in Indian art

Written By Zubin Daruwalla

Source: The Sunday Guardian

“What excites me is pure painting: line, pattern, colour and balance which constitute the quintessence of composition.” This is what the artist Shiavax Chavda said in a 1981 interview with a newspaper when he was asked about whether he prefers to work with colour alone or is it the subject matter that appeals to him more. Chavda explained, “I don’t care for subject matter. Any subject is good enough. It’s just a peg to hang your composition on. It is incidental.”

 

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Prominent Indian artist Shiavax Chavda’s works showcased at NY Fashion Week
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Celebrity publicist Anna Rothschild recently hosted designer Frederick Anderson’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW) after-party at New York hotspot Veranda and invitees were treated to a visual feast as select paintings of Indian master Shiavax Chavda were put on display.

The eight paintings comprising abstracts and semi-abstracts by the master draughtsman offered a fascinating introduction to the art of Chavda and evidenced an exquisite distillation of his boundless curiosity coupled with his multicultural sensitivity. The Indian artist’s recent exhibition was held at Veranda, Grand Street, New York.

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Stellar lineup of celebrity guests at 2/25 afterparty with display of works by shiavax chavda
Stellar lineup of celebrity guests at 2/25 afterparty with display of works by shiavax chavda

We hear…

…That Anna Rothschild hosted a party for designer Frederick Anderson’s at Veranda. Art by Shiavax Chavda was on display and guests included Candace Bushnell, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Danny Baker, Petra Khashoggi and Libbie Mugrabi. It was sponsored by Glenfiddich whiskey and Hendricks gin.

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Indian Masters Retrospective Exhibition featuring paintings and sketches by artist shiavax chavda
Indian Masters Retrospective Exhibition featuring paintings and sketches by artist shiavax chavda

Shiavax Chavda, who was part of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group, held his first show at the Taj Mahal Hotel Prince’s Room in 1945. He gave top priority to drawing and was considered a master draughtsman.

The artist experimented in various artistic styles studying and recreating with his deft strokes the human body, birds, serpents and other animals, Balinese masks, famous Indian ancient temples and cave sculptures, Indian musicians, classical Indian dancers, semi-abstract and abstract art. He worked with paper, canvas, silk, plywood, Chinese ink, crayon, watercolours, tempera and oils.

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Zubin Daruwalla
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