EARLY LIFE

Chintan was born in 1972 in Partapur, Rajasthan, India, and earned his BFA in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University, Gujarat, India, in 1995, followed by an MFA in Painting from the same institution in 1997.

The Mutants (2006)

A turning point in Chintan Upadhyay's career, the show titled "Mutants" was held at Sarjan Art Gallery, Baroda, in 2006. It featured a series of smaller-than-life fiberglass sculptures painted with enamel. Positioned against mirrors on the walls, the mutants created an infinite reflection, forming an army-like presence in the expansive space. Through this exhibition, the artist aimed to highlight the potential consequences of scientific experiments in cloning and genetics, warning of potential disastrous outcomes in the future. These sculptures were part of a larger series known as the "Designer Babies," which served as a reminder of the latent desire among parents to design their offspring's physical and intellectual traits—a desire that, while harmless today, could lead to unforeseen challenges if advances in technology and bio-engineering make it a reality.

PET SHOP PROJECT

One of Chintan Upadhyay's most renowned sculpture projects is the ongoing "Pet Shop" project, which involves the creation of a "model baby" for every season, known as the Baby fetish. Additionally, Chintan Upadhyay founded Sandarbh, a non-profit organization focused on residencies, workshops, and programs that aim to promote the arts and raise awareness about contemporary artistic practices in rural areas of India. This initiative represents a radical experiment that brings artists from India and around the world to a small village named Partapur in Rajasthan, where they engage with the local community through artistic means.