Akkitam Narayanan (b. 1939)

Akkitam Narayanan blends the ancient with the modern, to produce works of art of immense spiritual power and depth, laced with sensuality. The blend of European and Indian influences can also be clearly seen in his work. His use of geometric patterns, the colours, the use of stained glass and the mural and fresco techniques, betray the influence of his long stay in Paris; whereas the presence of Tantric (mystic) symbols such as the serpent and the triangle reveal his origins in Kerala in South India.

Mingling with the realism of the West is the symbolic, and often tortuous, mindset of the Oriental, giving Narayanan's paintings a rare provocative quality. At first glance they have a simplicity that is misleading, but a closer look reveals the layers of mysticism unraveling. He manages to synthesize the disparate outlooks of a detached Westerner and that of an emotional, mystic Indian, in his paintings. Narayanan's canvases are poetry in red, black and white. Despite the repetition of motifs and hues, each of his creations remains distinct and exudes an aura of tranquil beauty. He paints in oil and watercolour.

A diploma in painting from the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, was followed by a stint of four years at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris on a government scholarship. Narayanan's works have been exhibited in Mumbai, Chennai, Japan and several countries in Europe. He is a three-time winner of the Tamil Nadu State Lalit Kala Akademi Award. He also received the IV International Festival of Painting Award, in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France. Akkitam Narayanan lives and works in Paris.