Born in 1982, Mrugen Rathod is a Vadodara-based artist working across sculpture, installation, video, and performance, addressing social, political, cultural, and ecological themes. He earned his Bachelor’s of Fine Art and Master’s of Fine Art  from MS University, Vadodara (2010).

His practice follows two paths: minimal frottage-based works, seen at Montalvo Art Center (2018) and Yatoo, Korea (2015), and research-driven public art projects like Shore (2015, Odisha) and Mistaken Case of Turtles (2011, Kochi). Rathod has exhibited widely, including solo shows at Sakshi Gallery (2023) and 1 Shanthi Road (2017), with group exhibitions at Conflictorium (2024) and Geumgang Biennale, Korea (2020). He has held residencies at Art OMI, NY (2012) and Montalvo Art Center (2018).

His accolades include the Generator Co-operative Art Grant (2020) and FICA PAG (2015). Rathod teaches at Anant and Nirma University and collaborates with Transhuman Collectives, Mumbai, on interdisciplinary projects. His work merges material, intent, and experience to create impactful narratives.