Born on January 21, 1965, in Anand, Gujarat, Manhar Kapadia is a distinguished Indian
contemporary artist known for his evocative visual narratives and technical versatility. He
earned his Diploma in Drawing and Painting (1987) and Art Teacher Diploma (1988) from
the Sheth C. N. College of Fine Arts in Ahmedabad. Over his career, Kapadia has served as
Principal at his alma mater and as Centre Director at the Stone Artisan Park Training Institute
(SAPTI) in Dhrangadhra.

Kapadia's practice spans over two decades, with a major focus on capturing the essence,
expressions, and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolence
and social justice, his work uses Gandhi’s memory to reflect on global harmony and modern
human complexity. Working with oils, acrylics, and mixed media, Kapadia blends vivid
brushwork and textured layers into contemporary compositions that balance figurative forms
with subtle abstraction.

He has held prominent solo exhibitions across India, including at Mumbai’s Jehangir Art
Gallery and Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Delhi’s Lalit Kala Academy, Ahmedabad’s
Amdavad ni Gufa, and the Gandhi Ashram. Kapadia's contributions have earned him state
awards from the Gujarat Lalit Kala Academy, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Art
Award, and the AIFACS Portrait Painting Award.