Nagdev is best known for his abstract oil paintings in harmonious colors, though his later works include some representational art including human figures. He was one of the first few Indian artists to experiment fusion of Indian miniature Painting style with modern abstract style. He is a recipient of Shikhar Samman – highest civilian honor bestowed by MP Government.
At the age of 9, Nagdev started learning from signboard painters and assisting them, often working on movie hoardings and advertisement banners. He then studied fine art at Bharti Kala Bhavan, Ujjain, under the guidance of Dr. V.S. Wakankar, renowned archaeologist and artist. He assisted Dr. Wakankar in discovering and cataloging cave paintings of Bhim Betka – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nagdev graduated from Sir J. J. School of Art, Bombay in 1961 and received an M.A. in ancient Indian History and Culture in 1962. In 1970, he was awarded an M.A. in Painting from Vikram University, Ujjain.[2]
1961 J.J. School of Arts, Bombay
1962 M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Culture, Vikrarm University, Ujjain
1970 M.A. in Painting, Vikrarm University, Ujjain
Nagdev participated in around 40 solo and group exhibitions, in India, Nepal, Germany, Japan, and the UAE. His art works are in many important collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi, India and Osaka Contemporary Art Center, Japan.
1976 All India Artist Camp, Bhopal
1986 Mandu
1992 Mussorie
1993 Bijapur
1993 International Artist Camp Gulbarga
1981 Gallery Kasahara Osaka, Japan
1974 Gallery in Amtsgericht Bad Vilbel. W. Germany
1987 Continental Hotel, Sharjah, U.A.E.
1973 Maison Des Jeunes, Chamonix, France
1969 Indian Cultural Centre, Kathmandu
1967 Royal Art Academy, Kathmandu
1989 Prague. Czechoslovakia
1990–93 Osaka Triennale, Japan
1994 12 Artists, Pao Galleries – Hong Kong Art Centre, Hong Kong organized by Sarala's Art International