The Start of Something Beautiful: Morphogenesis by Akhil Anand
In a world that once imagined Akhil Anand following in the footsteps of his father, five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand, the young artist has instead chosen to chart his own creative course not with pawns and knights, but with colors, patterns, and purpose. At only 14, Akhil is preparing to unveil his debut solo exhibition, Morphogenesis, at ArtSpace by KalpaDruma in Chennai on August 1. But this is no ordinary art show. It’s an intricate journey where art meets maths, and where nature, math, and memory converge to form a vivid language that is uniquely Akhil’s.The Roots of a Remarkable StyleAkhil’s fascination with patterns began during the pandemic. A curious discovery of the Fibonacci sequence found in sunflowers, seashells, and pinecones sparked a lifelong love for the rhythm and mathematics hidden in the natural world. Trained under artist Diana Satish since he was nine, Akhil also learned firsthand from rural artisans in Pingla, West Bengal.‘Akhilisms’ and the Art of InclusionBeyond the canvas, Akhil’s creativity is tied to community. He is the founder of Akhilisms, a design platform that transforms his artworks into wearable and giftable items like T-shirts, stationery, prints, and more. Through Hastha, a foundation supporting individuals with neurological challenges, Akhil collaborates with block printers who bring his designs to life. “I really like when people who print my blocks get to wear or model the final designs. It makes me proud,” he states. Akhil’s love of numbers doesn’t end at drawing spirals or symmetric lines. He’s also a self-taught weaver, exploring how patterns repeat and shift through threads on a loom.The Support of a Grandmaster FatherGrowing up with a legend for a father might seem overwhelming to most, but for Akhil, Viswanathan Anand has been more of a quiet presence than a looming shadow. “Appa doesn’t give advice unless I ask. But when I mess up a painting and feel bad, he takes me for a walk and tells me about his mistakes too. That helps me feel better.” Their bond goes beyond art or chess. It’s a tender relationship built on mutual respect, where each inspires the other in their field.A Young Voice, A Timeless VisionWhile Akhil’s age is a frequent topic of admiration, his ideas go far beyond his years. He sees art not just as decoration, but as dialogue between tradition and technology, math and mythology, artist and viewer. What sets Morphogenesis apart is this fusion not just of visual styles but of intentions. It is a space where education meets emotion, where craft meets community, and where tradition finds new life through the hands of a 14-year-old with vision, humility, and heart. For Akhil Anand, this is only the beginning. With plans to explore tactile art, expand his weaving, and continue working with rural artisans, he is building not just an artistic career but a movement—one that embraces inclusivity, curiosity, and cultural preservation. His canvas may be filled with mathematical spirals and sacred motifs, but the message is universal: art, when created with purpose, can inspire understanding, bridge divides, and quietly change the world.
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