Hema Upadhyay was born in 1972 in Baroda.

In 1995 she received her degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from M.S. University, Baroda. In 1997 she received her degree of Master of Fine Arts (Printing) from M. S. University, Baroda.

Hema had solo shows:
In 2001 she showcased in solo shows at Art Space, Sydney and in Mumbai. In 2003 and 2004 she exhibited in Mumbai and New Delhi. In 2007 she exhibited solo at Grosvenor Vadehra, London. In 2008 and 2009 she showcased solo in Singapore and New Delhi. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 she exhibited solo in Jerusalem, Paris, Italy and New Delhi. In 2013 and 2014 she had solo shows in Cincinnati and Mumbai.

She participated in several group exhibitions:
In 1993, 1998 - 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 - 2010 and 2012 she participated in numerous group exhibitions in Mumbai. In 1997 she participated in the 4th International Print Biennale, Bhopal. In 2001, 2002, 2008, 2012 and 2013 she took part in group shows in New Delhi. From 1996 - 2006 she took part in numerous group shows in Nagpur, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Australia, Pakistan, Savannah, Norway, Japan, Paris and London. From 2007 - 2013 she participated in group shows in Pittsburgh, Austria, Verona, Paris, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Vienna, Berlin, Singapore, Canada, Italy, London, Basel, New York, Spain, Seoul, Rome, Shanghai, Wein, Japan, Taipei, Finland, Canberra, Paris, Lyon, and Beijing. In 2000 she took part in group shows at Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Mumbai. In 2000 and 2005 she exhibited in group shows at National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai. In 2001 she took part in the 10th International Triennale at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. In 2010 she participated in a group show at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.

She received many awards:
In 1997 she received an award at the annual exhibition of Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy, Ahmedabad. In 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2010 - 2011 she received art residencies at Art Space, Sydney; at Casl International, Karachi; at Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh; at Singapore Tyler Print Institute, Singapore and at Atelier Calder, France. In 2001 she received an award at the 10th International Triennale, New Delhi.

Hema passed away in 2015.