Manu Parekh

Manu Parekh (b. 1939, Ahmedabad) is a prominent Indian Modernist artist who began his career in the 1960s, blending modernism with India’s vernacular traditions. Initially inspired by Paul Klee and guided by S.B. Palsikar, Parekh explored modernism rooted in Indian art forms like rangoli and embroidery. His early years in Kolkata, immersed in the city’s vibrant life, deeply influenced his figurative abstraction. In 1975, Parekh moved to Delhi, experiencing a crisis in his work before finding solace and renewed vision in Banaras. The city’s ghats became the focus of his art, where he explored the cyclical nature of life, painting dynamic landscapes with expressive brushstrokes.

Parekh’s work is informed by poetry, fiction, and history, and he cherishes the daily activities of Banaras’ people. His art has been displayed globally, and in 1992, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. He continues to work as an independent artist.