Valay Shende, a video artist and sculptor whose work focuses on the troubles plaguing contemporary urban society and its members, was born in Nagpur in 1980. In 2000, he received his Diploma in an Art Teaching in Nagpur, and then went on to train at the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, from which he graduated with a BFA in sculpture in 2004. Inspired by his surroundings, Shende uses his body of work to capture the challenges and dichotomies that characterise India today, particularly the striking divide between modern and industrial views on one hand, and traditional religious ones on the other. The combination of video art and sculptural installations in his practice is also unique, adding an entirely new dimension to classical ideas of sculpture.Amongst his honours are the 2004 K.K. Hebbar Foundation Award; First Prize at the India Sabka Festival, Mumbai, in 2002; and the 2002 Best Sculpture Award from the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi.