Manish Chavda, originally hailing from Jamnagar, has been a resident of Ahmedabad for the past six years. His aspiration to become an artist took root when he was just 14 years old. “The older I grew, the more drawn I was towards art and determined to make a living out of it,” recollects Manish, who has earned accolades such as the 112th All India Annual Art Exhibition (The Bombay Art Society in 2004), the Gujarat State Lalitkala Academy award, and the Shree Manekba Silver Medal from Sheth CN Vidhyalaya, Ahmedabad, both in 2002.
“When I was younger, I never thought about how I would make my living through art. It was just art that I was passionate about. But as I grew older, I discovered that this path was one of a struggle,” shares the 46-year-old Manish, speaking from the Kynkyny Art gallery, where his solo show is currently underway.
Manish, who trained at Ahmedabad Fine Arts College, acknowledges that the struggle did not last long. “My work was recognized early, providing me with ample platforms to showcase my art. Even while studying, I was affiliated with an art gallery in Mumbai that began exhibiting my works. By 2005, I had my first solo show at Jehangir Art Gallery. These opportunities paved the way for me, and my career as an artist picked up momentum as soon as I completed art college.”
Manish says that while he has had a few solo shows, each requires a considerable number of art creations. “I strive to have one or two solo shows every year, but most of my exhibitions are group shows,” he explains. At Kynkyny Art Gallery, 17 of his pieces are currently on display. These oils on canvas capture vibrantly colored birds and ethereal landscapes. “The subtle colors evoke a sense of peace, spaciousness, and calm, transcending the boundaries of space and perception,” he states.
Manish’s current collection is dedicated entirely to nature and birds. Although he specialized in portraits during his final years of art study, he says, “I have painted numerous portraits that brought recognition.
. I captured the essence of reality, focusing on moods and life at traffic signals, and streetscapes. However, this collection, steeped in nature, carries a personal touch.”
The transformation in his work began after a significant incident. “I had applied for a master’s in art at a particular college but was not selected despite having won several awards. When I tried again and faced another rejection, it led to a battle with depression. During this period, I stopped painting completely and did not pick up a pencil for months. Instead, I spent a lot of time in gardens, where I began focusing on leaves, birds, and squirrels,” he recalls.
Manish found that observing nature was a healing process for his mind. “That was when I decided to start painting nature. This is my way of conveying to people the importance of staying connected with nature, as it has incredible healing power. This collection is my tribute to nature,” he passionately states.
The artist also emphasizes that making a living through art is achievable. “Art is inherent in every human being; it’s just that not everyone gets a chance to explore that talent,” he notes. “I wish parents would encourage their children if they show any interest in art. I am grateful that my parents nurtured this talent in me, which helped me transform my passion into my profession.”
Manish Chavda’s works will be on display at Kynkyny Art Gallery until June 14. As an artist deeply connected to his roots in nature, his journey from Jamnagar to Ahmedabad is not just a geographical relocation but a transition that mirrors the evolution in his art. From capturing the bustling life on streets to the serene beauty of nature, Manish’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the healing power of artistic expression.
