Born in 1933 in Chikhli, a village in southern Gujarat, Chhaganbhai Dayaram Mistry found beauty in almost everything around him. Textiles, temple carvings, paintings and metalwork, as well as the small details within his home, became early sources of visual inspiration. Surrounded by such influences from an early age, Mistry developed a keen sensitivity to form and decoration, which would later shape the character of his artistic practice.

After completing high school in 1959, he moved to Ahmedabad to pursue formal training in art and enrolled at C N College of Fine Arts. He received his Diploma in Painting in 1960, studying under noted artists such as Rasiklal Parikh. The following year, he completed the Art Master course and subsequently joined the Fine Arts department at C N College of Fine Arts as a teacher, beginning a long association with the institution.

Mistry frequently travelled through the villages and remote regions of Gujarat, immersing himself in the rich folk and tribal cultures of the state. He closely observed local traditions, particularly the decorative art created for festivals and religious ceremonies. What impressed him deeply was the distinctive iconography of gods and goddesses depicted in a simple yet striking manner, often rendered with natural and vibrant local colours. These images differed markedly from the more formal representations found in temple art, offering a raw and deeply rooted visual language that resonated strongly with the artist. While drawing upon these traditional forms, Mistry continued to experiment with his own style and technique.

Whether inspired by the hills of Saputara, the vitality of folk designs or the dynamic presence of horses, Mistry’s works reveal how his academic training enabled him to explore multiple artistic directions while remaining true to his vision. Over the course of his career, he participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. He continued to paint actively until his passing in 2023.