Shiavax Chavda (1914-1990)

Chavda's interest in dance and music began as a student when he worked for the Russian stage designer, Leon Bakst, Sir Thomas Beecham and the Diaghilev Ballet. Throughout his career he painted Indian, Russian, Balinese and Javanese dancers. He used the subject of a dancer in motion to explore the rhythmic aspects of his own compositions. The minimalistic use of line to capture a form or pose remained integral to his painting style throughout his life.