Collection: Manish Solanki

My journey as an artist is deeply rooted in the desire to create art that resonates emotionally and culturally. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, I’ve always drawn inspiration from traditional games that defined my childhood and the childhoods of many across generations. After earning a diploma in Drawing and Painting from Sheth C. N. College of Fine Arts and an MFA in Creative Portrait Painting from M. J. College, I dedicated my practice to capturing the shared experiences, memories, and values that games bring.

My work reflects a commitment to honoring the beauty and life lessons embedded in these playful activities. Art, for me, is experiential—it invites viewers to feel, not just observe. Through series like “Let’s Play Marbles”, I evoke the tactile joy and simplicity of traditional games, contrasting them with today’s digital world. With textured brushstrokes, earthy tones, and vivid highlights, I portray marbles, caroms, and other symbols of play, inviting viewers to reconnect with the timeless joy of shared play and cultural heritage.

Recognition, such as the first prize awarded by the Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy and the publication of my work in New York based art magazine “The Woven Tale Press”, has affirmed my artistic approach. Participation in juried shows, including the 103rd All India Annual Art Exhibition and the 60th, 62nd, and 63rd National Exhibitions organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi, has allowed me to connect with a broader audience and share my reflections on the significance of childhood games and the shifts brought about by modernity.

In each piece, my goal is to provide a mirror to viewers’ pasts and a window into a rapidly changing world. Through art, I strive to bridge generations and inspire discussions about the role of play in shaping our collective humanity.