Jehangir Sabavala Biography 
Jehangir Sabavala was an Indian painter from Mumbai who lived during the period, 23 August 1922 – 2 September 2011. He was a recipient of civilian award Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1977 and Lalit Kala Ratna, the Fellowship of Lalit Kala Akademi in 2007. Dilip Chitre and Ranjit Hoskote have written books on the life of Jehangir Sabavala. The Reasoning Vision: Jehangir Sabavala's Painterly Universe by Dilip Chitre, and Pilgrim, Exile, Sorcerer: The Painterly Evolution of Jehangir Sabavala and The Crucible of Painting: The Art of Jehangir Sabavala by Ranjit Hoskote are those books. His style was a blend of Cubism and Impressionism, which was adapted to desi vibrant colours and landscapes.
Jehangir Ardeshir Sabavala was born into a rich Parsi family in Mumbai on 23 August 1922. His mother belonged to an aristocratic Cowasjee Jehangir family. He completed a diploma course from Mumbai's Sir J. J. School of Art in 1944. The following year he moved to London for advanced studies. He studied at Heatherley School of Fine Art, London, followed by Academie Andre Lhote in Paris, Académie Julian and Académie de la Grande Chaumière. He completed his studies in 1957.
His initial work was a mixture of clever illusions surrounding cubism. He chose different themes to portray on canvas, while nature remained his most favourite. He chose vibrant colours. He started exhibiting his works since 1951 and has conducted 31 major solo exhibitions across the globe. His last solo exhibition was held in Mumbai in 2008 and it was titled, 'Ricorso'. Some of his works are included in national galleries, private and public collections, Parliament House, New Delhi, Air India Mumbai etc. Many award winning documentaries have been made on the artistic life of Jehangir Ardeshir Sabavala and three books written. Colours of Absence by Arun Khopkar won the National Award in 1994.
Published: January 28, 2019
Updated: January 28, 2019
