Shanti Dave: The Trailblazer of Calligraphic Abstraction

Shanti Dave (b. 1931, Badpura, Gujarat) is a pioneering Indian abstractionist known for his innovative use of encaustic—a wax-based medium—combined with oil paints to create textured, high-relief artworks. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University, Baroda, he co-founded the Baroda Group in 1957. Dave’s work often integrates elements of calligraphy and symbolism, reflecting his rural upbringing and spiritual influences. His murals adorn prestigious locations worldwide, including Air India offices in New York, Frankfurt, and Sydney. Honored with the Padma Shri in 1985, his legacy continues to inspire contemporary Indian art.