Beyond the Face: Rajendra Kadia Redefines Painting While Championing Young Talent

From Canvas to Community: Rajendra Kadia’s Artistic Journey Inspires a New Generation

As FaceSurface: Painting as Process unfolds in Ahmedabad, Kadia calls on families and institutions to actively engage children with art, envisioning a more creative and expressive society

A prolific artist from a family of 11 creatives, Kadia brings over 5,000 works and decades of exploration into a powerful exhibition that bridges tradition, abstraction, and the urgency to nurture future artists

• Bilkul Online | By Rafat Quadri
• Ahmedabad | 18  March 2026

In a city known for its dynamic cultural pulse, Rajendra Kadia steps into sharp focus with his solo exhibition FaceSurface: Painting as Process, currently on view at L & P Hutheesing Visual Art Centre from 17 to 22 March 2026. More than an exhibition, it is a powerful reflection of an artist whose life has been immersed in art—not just as practice, but as purpose.

Belonging to a remarkable family of 11 artists, Rajendra Kadia carries forward a rich creative legacy. Among them, his brother Mahendra Kadia stands out as a prominent abstractionist and a central figure in Ahmedabad’s art landscape. Within this deeply artistic environment, Rajendra Kadia has carved his own distinct voice—one that is intuitive, process-driven, and profoundly expressive.

With over 5,000 artworks to his name, Kadia’s journey is defined by relentless exploration. In FaceSurface, he moves beyond conventional portraiture, treating the human face as an evolving surface—where gesture, texture, and memory intersect. His mixed media works, acrylic paintings on paper, and terracotta soras reveal a layered language of marks that appear, dissolve, and reconfigure, echoing the fluidity of human experience itself.

The inclusion of terracotta soras adds a striking dimension to the exhibition. Rooted in earthy tradition yet transformed through contemporary intervention, these circular forms symbolize cycles of continuity and reflection—offering a tactile and cultural depth that resonates strongly with viewers.

Yet, beyond his prolific practice, what truly defines Rajendra Kadia is his commitment to nurturing the next generation. Passionate about encouraging young minds, he actively advocates for greater exposure to art among children and youth. He emphasizes that parents and elders must consciously take time to bring children to galleries and exhibitions—spaces where curiosity can be sparked and creativity can find expression.

Kadia believes art is not a privilege but a necessity for holistic growth. He has expressed a strong desire to collaborate with institutions and community leaders to design programs that engage, motivate, and train young talent across society, making art accessible and inspiring for all.

As FaceSurface: Painting as Process continues to welcome visitors daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM until 22 March, the exhibition stands as both a testament and a call—to witness the depth of an artist’s lifelong dedication, and to recognize the urgent need to cultivate creativity in the generations to come.