Chawla Art Gallery will present Continuum: A 30-Year Retrospective, a major solo exhibition by contemporary Indian artist Asit Kumar Patnaik, from 21 to 25 August 2026 at LTC Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, before the exhibition continues at Chawla Art Gallery, Saket, from 26 August to 30 September 2026. Curated by Shibani Chawla, the exhibition traces three decades of Patnaik’s artistic practice through approximately 50 works created between 1995 and 2026, including several previously unseen paintings and works on paper.
A Retrospective Spanning Three Decades of Experimentation
The exhibition brings together sketches, drawings, watercolours, graphic prints, landscapes, abstract compositions and paintings, presenting an overview of Patnaik’s evolving visual language. Visitors will encounter works produced during different phases of his career, reflecting his continuous engagement with experimentation across media including canvas, paper, wood, fibreglass, collage and thread.
A defining aspect of Patnaik’s work is his exploration of texture. What began in his early paper works and sketches gradually developed into one of the most recognisable elements of his paintings, creating richly layered surfaces that complement his figurative compositions.
Exhibition Highlights
- Around 50 artworks created between 1995 and 2026
- Previously unseen paintings and works on paper
- Sketches, drawings, watercolours and graphic prints
- Mixed-media works exploring diverse materials and textures
- A comprehensive survey of the artist’s 30-year practice
Human Relationships Remain Central to the Artist’s Practice
Originally from Odisha, Asit Kumar Patnaik is known for his semi-realistic figurative paintings that examine human emotions and interpersonal relationships. His long-running Man-Woman series explores themes including companionship, affection, attraction, conflict and emotional distance, often placing male and female figures in carefully balanced compositions.
Another recurring visual element is the flowing red hair that appears in many of his female figures. Throughout the exhibition, this motif functions as a symbol of vitality, strength, passion and femininity, reinforcing the artist’s continuing engagement with the theme of women’s empowerment. Rather than presenting figures through conventional hierarchies, Patnaik portrays women as resilient central protagonists while male figures are depicted with sensitivity and mutual respect.
Patnaik, a Gold Medalist in Painting from Banaras Hindu University, has participated in more than 100 group exhibitions and over 25 solo exhibitions in India and internationally. His works are part of important public and private collections, and he received the Best Solo Exhibitor Award at Art Expo New York in 2024.
Long Association with Chawla Art Gallery
Curator Shibani Chawla notes that the gallery has worked with Patnaik for nearly three decades, witnessing the steady development of his artistic language while observing a consistent philosophical approach underpinning his work. According to the curator, the retrospective provides an opportunity to understand how figuration and abstraction coexist within Patnaik’s practice, with the feminine form remaining a recurring symbol of resilience and introspection.
Established by D.V. Chawla and active in promoting Indian modern and contemporary art since 1967, Chawla Art Gallery has presented exhibitions by several leading Indian artists while maintaining long-term relationships with many contemporary practitioners.
Artist Reflects on Three Decades of Creative Evolution
Speaking about the exhibition, Patnaik describes the retrospective as a record of continuous learning, experimentation and artistic growth. The exhibition begins with sketches and drawings produced during his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts studies before moving through successive phases of his career to his latest paintings.
While his techniques and materials have evolved over time, the artist says his interest in understanding human relationships and emotions has remained constant, encouraging viewers to interpret the works through their own personal experiences.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Continuum: A 30-Year Retrospective |
| Artist | Asit Kumar Patnaik |
| Curator | Shibani Chawla |
| Presented By | Chawla Art Gallery |
| Opening Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates & Venue | 21–25 August 2026 (LTC Gallery, Bikaner House); 26 August–30 September 2026 (Chawla Art Gallery, Saket) |
| City | New Delhi |
| Entry | Open to visitors (ticket information not specified) |
| Website | https://www.chawla-artgallery.com |
For more information, visit the Chawla Art Gallery or explore the artist’s profile on the Asit Kumar Patnaik page.
Takeaway
Continuum: A 30-Year Retrospective offers audiences an opportunity to revisit the sustained artistic journey of Asit Kumar Patnaik through works that reflect changing techniques while remaining rooted in enduring themes of human relationships and identity. By presenting works spanning three decades, the exhibition contributes to a broader understanding of contemporary Indian art and highlights the value of retrospectives in documenting an artist’s evolving creative practice.
