Nayanaa Kanodia

Nayanaa Kanodia was born in 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra. She has had no formal training in art except for a year's apprenticeship with Anjolie Ela Menon. It’s interesting how Kanodia’s art, even without formal training, has resonated deeply on the international stage. Her exhibitions in prestigious locations like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Ueno Royal Museum in Tokyo show the global recognition of her talent and the universal relevance of her work. Her ability to capture the soul of India, with all its contradictions and transitions, has earned her a place in major public and private collections around the world.
Nayanaa Kanodia's art is a unique reflection of India's evolving identity, capturing the essence of its society through a vibrant and dynamic lens. Her work navigates the intersection of tradition and modernity, where cultural roots are interwoven with contemporary advancements. By painting both notable figures and everyday people, she highlights the rich tapestry of life that often goes unnoticed. Her portrayal of Indian society, particularly through mundane yet profound scenes like crowded cafés and busy streets, reminds us of the beauty embedded in our daily surroundings.
The fusion of humor and irony in her pieces brings to light the subtle contradictions within society, between the old and the new, the East and the West. Kanodia’s use of color and pattern adds a layer of movement to her static portrayals, as if capturing a moment frozen in time yet alive with the vibrancy of change. Her paintings not only showcase India’s diversity and complexity but also invite viewers to pause and reflect on the narratives that shape the present and the past.
Ranjit Hoskote’s commentary about Kanodia’s playful yet serious approach underscores her unique ability to balance humor and depth. Her work is not just an artistic expression but a narrative that connects her personal observations to a larger societal story.