Viswanathan Anand’s son is only 14—and already an exhibiting artist

The son of one of India’s greatest chess minds is making his own opening move—this time, on canvas. Akhil Anand, the fourteen-year-old son of grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, is set to debut with his first solo art exhibition, Morphogenesis, on August 1 at ArtSpace by KalpaDruma in Chennai.

Speaking about his upcoming exhibit, the young artist says, “Art helps me express how I see the world. I enjoy working with different styles and ideas, and I’m excited to share what I’ve been creating. I hope people find something interesting or meaningful in it.”

On view until August 7, the exhibit showcases a fusion of math, mythology, and nature through intricate patterns that tell layered stories about culture and life. For Anand, who has trained under artist Diana Satish since the age of nine, this showcase is an opportunity to share how he sees and studies the world. His deep dive into India’s folk and tribal art forms—from Madhubani and Gond to Cheriyal, Kalighat, and Warli—shapes the backbone of Morphogenesis. Grounded in authenticity, he has spent time with artisans to understand the ethos and process behind these traditions, merging scientific curiosity with cultural storytelling to explore how patterns, such as the Fibonacci sequence and sacred geometry, appear in the natural world and in traditional crafts.

His artistic mission is as clear as it is ambitious: to preserve and popularise India’s heritage arts while using them as tools for education and environmental awareness. The vision draws inspiration from the likes of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall, reflecting Akhil’s commitment to justice, conservation, and meaningful change.

While Morphogenesis is Akhil’s first solo showcase, his creative pursuits stretch far beyond the exhibition. He is the founder of Akhilisms, a platform that turns Indian art into wearable and giftable forms. In collaboration with Hastha, a foundation that supports individuals with neurological challenges in block printing, Akhil designs bespoke apparel that bridges craft, care, and commerce, making art accessible and purposeful. He is also the author of The HeART of Math, a book that explores mathematical patterns in nature. A self-taught weaver, the young Anand is currently working on integrating mathematical sequences into his weaving practice, adding another dimension to his exploration of patterns in art.

As the son of Viswanathan Anand—a name long associated with precision, focus, and strategy—Akhil is now forging his own path, guided by a different kind of discipline. Morphogenesis isn’t just a debut; it’s a quiet, compelling invitation into his world—one where art moves beyond aesthetics to become a medium for connection, reflection, and change.

All images: Akhil Anand

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