Teen reimagining Math and Mythology through art At just 14, Akhil Anand is already showcasing a solo exhibition. But unlike most teenagers, his work delves into the deep patterns found in nature, numbers, and ancient traditions.
Credits: Chess Base
“Morphogenesis” – a solo show that connects the dots Akhil’s debut solo exhibition, Morphogenesis, at ArtSpace by KalpaDruma in Chennai on 1 August 2025, blends mathematics, mythology, and natural forms. He draws inspiration from Fibonacci spirals, Indian temple architecture, and Islamic geometry to create intricate, thought-provoking visual sequences.
Credits: Chess Base
Side Note: A Fibonacci spiral is a curve made by drawing arcs through squares sized using Fibonacci numbers, and it closely resembles the golden spiral, which grows smoothly using the golden ratio (about 1.618).
Credits: Chess Base
How the lockdown sparked curiosity Akhil told India Today that he had first encountered the Fibonacci sequence during the lockdown. He quickly began noticing its appearance in plants, shells, and even ancient shrines
Credits: Chess Base
. Side note: The Fibonacci sequence is a list of numbers where each number is the sum of the two numbers before it, starting with 0 and 1.
Credits: Chess Base
From Escher to Indian temples After discovering the work of M.C. Escher, Akhil began seeing connections between Western optical art and Indian mythological symbols. From Sphinx-like temple carvings to mandalas, he began decoding how different cultures speak through geometry.
Credits: Chess Base
Lessons from village Pingla In 2022, Akhil visited Pingla, a village in West Bengal known for its folk artists. What struck him most wasn’t just the art, but the communal process where entire families came to work together, using natural pigments from the flora around them.
Credits: Chess Base
The Hastha Initiative Akhil is the founder of Hastha, an inclusive design initiative that connects artists and artisans. Through it, he explores how design can empower communities and believes that beauty and accessibility should never be mutually exclusive.
Credits: Chess Base
Bringing creativity to Maths logic His fascination with weaving reflects his broader interest in visual mathematics. From working looms to designing symmetrical patterns, he merges numeric logic with artistic spontaneity, often embedding subtle spirals and sequences into his pieces.
Credits: India Today
‘The HeART of Math’ Akhil is also the author of The HeART of Math, which presents mathematics as a visual and creative force. For him, numbers are not abstract; they are woven into the fabric of his artistic language.
Credits: Chess Base
Recognition feels good, but joy drives the work Despite his early acclaim, Akhil remains grounded. He enjoys the travel that exhibitions bring, takes pride when people purchase his work, and values honest conversations with viewers more than prestige.
Credits: Chess Base
Making his path in the family of trailblazers Akhil is the son of chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. But their bond is rooted not in performance, but in presence. When Akhil feels creatively stuck, his father offers quiet empathy, sharing his own stories of setbacks and learning.
Credits: Chess Base
Making his path in the family of trailblazers Akhil is the son of chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. But their bond is rooted not in performance, but in presence. When Akhil feels creatively stuck, his father offers quiet empathy, sharing his own stories of setbacks and learning.
Credits: Chess Base
Creativity inspired by music and films Their conversations span from art to Sting, Star Wars to chess theory. It’s a relationship built on mutual curiosity and trust, where Akhil’s creative instincts are encouraged rather than directed.
Credits: Chess Base
Painting his own story While Viswanathan Anand left his mark on the chessboard, Akhil is leaving his on canvas. His work is a reminder that brilliance doesn’t always follow the same path. Based on an interview originally published by India Today.
Credits: Chess Base