From 18th to 25th November 2025, art enthusiasts in Mumbai have a rare opportunity to experience the genius of Akkitham Narayanan, one of India’s modern art masters. The exhibition, “Geometry of the Infinite: A Retrospective Celebrating Akkitham Narayanan”, presented by Artworld – Sarala’s Art International and curated by Anahita Daruwala Banerjee, offers a journey through decades of spiritual abstraction and geometric exploration. Held at the iconic Jehangir Art Gallery, this exhibition invites viewers to witness the evolution of a mind that seamlessly fused Indian philosophy with Parisian modernism.
Akkitham Narayanan: A Life in Art
Born in 1939 in Kerala, Akkitham Narayanan’s artistic journey began in the lush cultural landscape of southern India, where rhythm, ritual, and form subtly shaped his visual language. His early training at the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, laid the foundation for his deep engagement with abstract forms. Supported by a Government of India scholarship, he later studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he refined his distinctive fusion of Indian and European artistic traditions.
Under the mentorship of K.C.S. Panicker, Narayanan learned to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. While early Indian art often relied on overt religious imagery, Narayanan’s approach was to transform symbolism into a high-modern visual language. His works are spiritual yet free from ritual, merging Tantrik visual codes with European geometric abstraction, creating a dialogue between the mystical and the modern.
The Art of Geometry and Spirituality
Akkitham Narayanan’s paintings are celebrated for their geometric configurations of abstract forms. Triangles, squares, and circles recur throughout his canvases, creating a rhythmic structure reminiscent of the chanting of a hymn. The artist himself views geometry as a universal system derived from the earth—simple, straight, and rigid—yet, when perceived subjectively, it opens into an infinite array of interpretations.
His works often display a lyrical, emotive touch, with forms that suggest natural elements like fire, water, air, and earth, alongside archaic lines reminiscent of letters or snakes. The influence of traditional Kerala architecture and mural paintings of his childhood is evident in his careful use of colour, particularly the deep blacks that evoke ancient Indian wall art.
Narayanan’s techniques further enhance the visual experience. By applying a thin coat of oil paint and selectively erasing it, he creates subtle textures and illusions akin to watercolour, while preserving the tactile quality of the canvas. The addition of incised lines with a knife adds a three-dimensional quality and references ancient scriptures, bridging the gap between modern abstraction and timeless spiritual forms.
Decades of International Recognition
Akkitham Narayanan’s career spans over six decades, with numerous solo exhibitions that have taken him from Mumbai and Chennai to Paris, Tokyo, and Singapore. Some notable solo exhibitions include:
- 2011 – Gallery HUS, Paris
- 2009 – Indigo Blue Art Gallery, Singapore
- 2002 – Galerie M & R Kolbein, Germany
- 1995 – Chateau de Talcy, France
- 1994 – Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 1986 – Mukai Gallery, Tokyo
- 1972 – La Galerie, Paris
His contributions to modern Indian art have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the K.C.S. Panicker Award from the Kerala Lalit Kala Akademi in 2009, the National Award for India at the 4th International Painting Festival in Cagnes-sur-Mer, and multiple accolades from the Lalit Kala Akademi in Chennai.
Why Visit “Geometry of the Infinite”?
The exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery offers more than just a visual experience; it is a chance to step into the infinite and explore the evolution of an artist whose work bridges continents, philosophies, and styles. Visitors can expect to:
- Witness the development of a modern master over six decades
- Experience geometry as poetry on canvas
- Celebrate the finest expressions of Indian abstraction
Each painting invites contemplation, encouraging viewers to perceive space, form, and color in new and profound ways. Whether you are an art collector, a student, or simply someone fascinated by the beauty of abstraction, this exhibition promises a memorable journey into the mind of a visionary artist.
Akkitham Narayanan’s Artistic Philosophy
Narayanan’s commitment to creating an indigenous yet modern visual language shaped much of his artistic philosophy. In the 1960s, while living in Delhi and later in Paris, he consciously avoided conventional religious symbolism that could be reduced to ritualistic art. Instead, he focused on universal forms, exploring the intersection of geometry, spirituality, and abstraction. This approach allowed him to maintain cultural authenticity while engaging with global modernist trends.
His canvases collapse figures into minimal forms, emphasizing geometric patterns that evoke elemental and spiritual forces. The interplay of triangles, squares, and circles is deliberate, creating compositions where each shape functions like an instrument in a symphonic ensemble. Through these experiments, Narayanan developed a refined visual language that speaks across cultural and temporal boundaries.
International Exhibitions and Collections
Akkitham Narayanan’s work has been widely exhibited across the globe, in solo shows from Paris to Tokyo, and in prestigious group exhibitions such as Made in India (Paris) and Masters of Contemporary Indian Art (Singapore). His works are part of important collections, including:
- National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
- Ahmedabad Museum, India
- Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Paris
- Glenbarra Art Museum, Japan
- Asia and Pacific Museum, Warsaw, Poland
These collections attest to his international acclaim and the lasting impact of his unique approach to abstraction and geometry.
A Milestone for Mumbai’s Art Scene
The “Geometry of the Infinite” exhibition is a milestone event for the Mumbai art community. Hosted at the Jehangir Art Gallery, a hub for contemporary and modern art, the show promises to engage audiences of all backgrounds. From collectors to students, and from casual art lovers to cultural tourists, visitors will encounter a visual feast that combines Indian philosophical depth with European modernist precision.
Planning your visit is easy: the exhibition runs daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM from 18th to 25th November 2025. It is an opportunity not just to view art, but to experience the poetic rhythm of geometry, the mysticism of abstraction, and the legacy of a modern Indian master.
Final Thoughts
Akkitham Narayanan’s art is more than visual experience—it is a journey into the spiritual and geometric essence of life. His innovative fusion of Indian and European traditions has redefined modern Indian abstraction, making his work relevant across generations and continents.
By visiting Jehangir Art Gallery, you are not only witnessing the evolution of a visionary artist, but also engaging with the universal language of geometry and color, which resonates with the rhythm of life itself. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore decades of artistic brilliance and immerse yourself in the infinite possibilities of form and spirit.
