Portrait of Ramesh Pandya (1930 – 2019)
Artist friend, Professor at Fine Arts, Vadodara

Artist Jyoti Bhatt (born 1934)

dated 24-02-1955, Pencil on paper
16.1 x 10.6 in. (40.9 x 26.9 cm.)

This striking portrait captures Ramesh Pandya, a notable figure in Indian art, as rendered by his classmate Jyoti Bhatt in 1955. The artwork, a testament to their shared time at the Faculty of Fine Arts, provides a glimpse into Pandya’s early life and artistic journey.

Ramesh Pandya’s artistic path began in Surat, though he was raised in Chanod by his maternal uncle. Following the advice of Ravi Shankar Raval, a significant figure in Gujarati art, Pandya enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts in 1951. There, he had the privilege of learning from acclaimed educators such as Markand Bhatt, N.S. Bendre, Shankho Chaudhary, and K.G. Subramanyan. After completing his studies, Pandya dedicated himself to education, joining the faculty as a professor. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the USA in 1977, where he earned a Master’s in Arts, further enriching his artistic perspective.

Jyoti Bhatt, is a renowned Indian artist best known for his printmaking, photography, and painting, often exploring folk art traditions. His early works, such as this portrait, demonstrate his keen observational skills and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The portrait of Ramesh Pandya serves as a valuable document of their formative years and the burgeoning talent that would define their respective careers.