A KALEIDOSCOPE OF LIFE

An economist, painter and brilliant colourist with a strong individualism in her work, Mumbai-based artist Nayanaa Kanodia creates a symphony of dialogues through her art.

- Rachna Virdi

Nayanaa Kanodia’s story is that of talent, passion and vision. Born in 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra, the economist turned painter is a pioneer in the genre of L’Art Naif in India (visual art by someone who lacks formal training in art). Having had a French leave of absence from formal training in art enabled her to bring patterns of strong individualism into her work—long before it was considered the sought-after approach by contemporary artists. Her paintings make you feel like you are watching a snapshot of life at maximum burst of energy. Her artwork has been bought by major art collectors and global corporate houses across the world. Close to displaying her new exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai, Kanodia talks to MARWAR  about the inspiration behind it.

Tell us about your forthcoming exhibition.

My forthcoming collection stems from the bleak existence of Covid. After the trauma and melancholy of the pandemic, I made peace with our tryst with destiny. I had survived with joy, sorrow and humour. Through my collection, I am trying to create a symphony of dialogues between emotions, culture, society and experiences. I absorbed the vast spectrum of environment with an open-minded comprehension and a humorous approach to my perceptions. I picturised the intersection between the illusions of thought and the reality of foresight and imagination.

How do you create conversations through your paintings about the truth of life?