Manisha Parekh (b.1964, Uttarsanda. Lives and works in New Delhi) is notable for her abstract style. Both biomorphic and gestural, she has developed a distinct aesthetic that subtly references the work of Nasreen Mohamedi, her teacher at Baroda. Often making pieces in series and using a linear plane or grid as her organising principle, Parekh dices with Minimalism and localizes it. Her materials – paper, cord, rope – draw on the craft traditions of India. Parekh explores their properties and works predominantly by hand to conjure organic, vegetal forms indebted to the natural world.
Manisha Parekh received her BA from M.S University, Baroda in 1988 and MAs from M.S University, Baroda in 1990, and Royal College of Art, London in 1993. She is a founding member of Khoj International Artists’ Association.
Her works have been included in group and solo exhibitions internationally, including: Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai (2018); Jaipur Sculpture Park, Jaipur (2018); Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur (2018); RMIT Gallery, Melbourne (2015); Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi (2015); Gaungdong Museum of Art, Gaungzhou, Art Museum, Shanghai, Minsheng Art Museum, Beijing (2014).
Parekh’s work forms part of a number of collections, including Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum, Ahmedabad; Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi; Lalit Kala Akademi, Ahmedabad, and Royal College of Art, London.