Chawla Art Gallery is proud to present Continuum: A 30-Year Retrospective, a landmark solo exhibition by acclaimed contemporary artist Asit Kumar Patnaik, curated by Shibani Chawla. Celebrating three decades of the artist's creative journey, the exhibition will be held from 14th–18th October 2026 at LTC Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, before continuing at Chawla Art Gallery, Saket, until 14th November 2026.



 


For the first time, the exhibition brings together several previously unseen paintings and works on paper alongside significant pieces from different phases of Patnaik's artistic career. Featuring around 50 works created between 1995 and the present, the retrospective presents the breadth of his artistic journey through sketches, drawings, watercolours, landscapes, abstract compositions, graphic prints and paintings, allowing audiences to experience the remarkable versatility of his practice.

Throughout his career, Patnaik has embraced experimentation, working across a wide range of materials and surfaces, including wood, fibreglass, paper collage, threads and canvas. At the heart of his practice lies an enduring fascination with texture. First evident in his paper works and early sketches, this distinctive textural language has evolved through years of exploration and innovation to become one of the defining strengths of his paintings.

Widely recognised for his semi-realistic figurative style, Patnaik creates compositions in which both men and women share equal significance, while the feminine presence remains the emotional and visual anchor of his work. His celebrated Man-Woman series explores the complexities of human relationships, reflecting on love and companionship, attraction and conflict, attachment and detachment, while subtly weaving together memories of the past with the realities of the present.

Beyond human relationships, the exhibition also foregrounds Patnaik's enduring engagement with the theme of women's empowerment. The striking red hue adorning a woman's hair becomes a recurring symbol of vitality, inner strength and allure—qualities that Patnaik regards as intrinsic to the feminine spirit. Across these works, women emerge as confident, resilient and central figures who transcend age and social boundaries. They are often accompanied by male figures who, despite their physical strength, are portrayed with humility, sensitivity and respect, creating a visual dialogue rooted in balance rather than dominance.

"Our association with Asit Kumar Patnaik spans nearly three decades, giving us the privilege of witnessing the remarkable evolution of his artistic practice. While his visual language has grown in confidence, complexity and maturity over the years, it has remained unwavering in its essential philosophy. A distinguished figurative artist, he creates a compelling dialogue between figuration and abstraction, where the feminine form emerges as a timeless symbol of strength, resilience and introspection. Continuum brings together significant works from across three decades, offering a rare opportunity to experience the depth and continuity of an artist whose vision has remained deeply authentic and enduringly relevant." says Shibani Chawla, Curator of the exhibition.

"Looking back at these works, I see not just different phases of my practice but a continuous process of learning, experimenting and evolving. This exhibition traces my journey from the sketches and drawings created during my BFA and MFA years to my latest series of paintings. While my mediums, techniques and visual language have changed over the years, my interest in understanding human relationships and emotions has remained constant. I hope viewers take the time to engage with the works in their own way and discover meanings that are personal to them," says Asit Kumar Patnaik.

As Continuum: A 30-Year Retrospective brings together works spanning three decades, it celebrates Asit Kumar Patnaik's enduring contribution to contemporary Indian art. A Gold Medalist in Painting from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Patnaik has exhibited extensively across India and abroad. In 2024, he received the Best Solo Exhibitor Award at Art Expo New York, further cementing his reputation on the global art stage.

Exhibition Details:

Title: Continuum: A 30-Year Retrospective

Artist: Asit Kumar Patnaik

Presented by: Chawla Art Gallery

Dates & Venues: LTC Gallery, Bikaner House (14th–18th October) 11am-7pm, with the exhibition continuing at Chawla Art Gallery, Square One Mall, Saket ( until 14th November 2026)

Highlights: Around 50 artworks spanning 1995–2026, including previously unseen paintings and works on paper.

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