Young artist Akhil Anand not only painting, but they weave amazing visual stories by combining mathematics, mythology and the secrets of nature. At the age of just 14, the Chennai artist has prepared for his single exhibition morphogenesis, where Fibonacchi Spiil, design and Islamic geometry of Indian temples will be seen together on a canvas.
The creative world of Akhil is very rich and multidimensional. Akhil, who was trained under the guidance of artist Diana Satish from the age of nine, worked with the rural artisans of West Bengal, started the inclusive design initiative, wrote a book called The Heart of Math and made the language of his design ‘Akhilism’, but behind all these achievements is a simple, curious teenager, who travels, attraction and his father, five-time world shrine champiyan Vishwanathan joy with a five-time world shrine, the five-time world shrine, the five-time world, the five-time world, the world’s world, the five-time world, the five-time world, the five-time world, the five-time world, the world’s world, the world’s world, the world’s world star waler Finds
In this open conversation with India Today, Akhil tells about the patterns that shaped their art, who inspired them and believe that beauty, like equality, everyone should feel.
Your exhibition ‘Morphogenesis’ Mathematics, mythology and nature-these bring together three different areas. Where did you get the inspiration to search for their mail through art?
– During the epidemic I came to know about the Fibonacci sequence. Soon I realized that it explains many patterns in nature and I started painting it. Later, I was interested in Islamic art because of MC Asher. Then I started thinking about Sphinx in Indian art and temples and gradually I realized that patterns add all these.
You trained from the age of nine under the guidance of Diana Satish and worked with local artisans with traditional art of India. What were the most impressive lessons or stories with you with those meetings?
– I liked the journey of Pingala in 2022. I saw that all the people in the village were artists and the whole family worked on art. The biodiversity of that area was his art. Trees and flowers used to provide natural colors such as vermilion or aparajita. When I worked with some artisans, I came to know that they did not have electricity or internet, which are common things for us. So I was very happy that I got a chance to learn such unique art and I tried to make it a part of my style.
Through your work with ‘Akhilism’ and Hasta, you are mixing art and social effects. What do you think artists should play in making the world more inclusive and sensitive?
– I love the preamble of our Constitution, in which it is written ‘We people of India’ and I do not like what these people are. So we all should be equal, whether in school or in the mall. Art can make people happy or depressed. I like to work with Hasta because I meet people who work with my blocks and model my design, it makes me very proud. I wanted to include touching art in my exhibition, but I did not have time. Later I want to see how art can be made more inclusive using the texture.
As a young weaver and author of The Heart of Math, you are clearly attracted to complex patterns and sequences. How has your love for mathematics affect your creative work?
– I like to weave. At first I felt that it would be very difficult, but I liked the way to do loom work. I like to think how patterns can fit my thoughts. In a very simple way, when I make a picture of Ganesha, I like to add a small spiral somewhere. I try to do good in mathematics, but I like the math more that I can see.
You have exhibited at some prestigious places at such a young age. Has this initial identity changed the attitude of looking at your art, or does it feel the responsibility for your next work?
– I like when people buy my art or my goods. I am proud that they find my art good or fantastic. If there is an exhibition, I get very excited to travel and eat in new restaurants. I feel good when people ask me questions and I am happy when my words inspire them to buy my work.
You come from a family where excellence is already a legacy. Your father, Vishwanathan Anand, is a global symbol in the chess world. Has it affected your journey somehow – whether inspiration, approach, or perhaps there is an untold pressure to make your identity?
– My father does not give advice, but some time when I think I have spoiled a picture and I get depressed, they take me for a walk and tell how he made mistakes and how he felt. I love to go to the concert with him and many times he says that my music inspires him during his tournament.
I love to see my father playing, especially when they win, it is even more fun to see, but they like to be with me when I do art and they ask a lot of questions. He loves to see Batman and Star Wars with me. I like his favorite musicians like Sting and U2 too. But I think I know more songs from them. They tell me that whatever I do, I should enjoy it and always dare to follow my passion. (Report – Megha Chaturvedi)
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