Himmat Shah, Renowned Indian Artist, Passes Away at Age of 92

Himmat Shah, a famous Indian artist known for his sculptures and modern art, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 92. He died at Jaipur’s Shalby Hospital due to a heart attack. He believed that every material had life, and he experimented with different forms of art throughout his career. His studio in Jaipur was filled with old bottles, wires and ropes, which he turned into beautiful artworks.

A Unique Approach to Art

Himmat Shah was known for his creative and experimental approach to art. He treated every material as if it had life. He used materials like charred paper, discarded bottles and ropes to create unique artworks. His Jaipur studio was filled with everyday objects that he transformed into artistic.

Himmat Shah, A Member of ‘Group 1890’

Shah was part of ‘Group 1890,’ a short-lived but important group of artists who focused on modernism. His art journey lasted several decades, and he became widely recognized for his unique style. He was particularly famous for his bronze heads, slip-casting techniques in terracotta and ceramic, and his ‘silver paintings’ made with plaster of Paris, sand and silver leaf.

Challenges and Determination of Himmat Shah

Despite being a celebrated artist, Himmat Shah faced financial difficulties for much of his life. However, he remained dedicated to his work. Roobina Karode, director of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, described him as an artist who always pushed boundaries and expressed himself fearlessly through art.

Himmat Shah, A Spiritual Artist

Fellow artist Jagannath Panda remembered Shah as a spiritual thinker who believed that art should be experienced rather than just seen as a product. He admired Shah’s ability to blend tradition with modernity through his work.

Know About Early Life and Education of Himmat Shah

Himmat Shah was born into a Jain merchant family in Lothal, Gujarat. He was fascinated by history, pottery and archaeology from a young age. He left home as a boy and studied under Rasiklal Parikh at CN Kalaniketan in Ahmedabad. Later, he trained at the Sir JJ School of Art in Mumbai and the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, learning from some of India’s greatest artists.

Awards and Recognition to Himmat Shah

Throughout his career, Himmat Shah received several prestigious awards, including:

• Lalit Kala Akademi National Award (1956, 1962)
• Bombay Art Society Award (1962)
• Jammu and Kashmir University Gold Medal (1961)
• Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1988)
• Kalidas Samman (2003) by the Madhya Pradesh Government

Summary of the News