AnilKumar AK Biography
AnilKumar, also known as AK, is an artist located in Tunbridge Wells, who grew up in Kerala, South Asia, India. His aim is to hit the audience with a sense of awe that can’t be worded. Filled with textures, filters, patterns and digital techniques, these mixed media works speak a thousand words, leaving a deep impression on the viewer. AK's latest collection, named ‘The Lost Athenaeum’, has aimed to encapsulate events and, furthermore, the chaos caused by events, that AK witnesses around him. However, through AnilKumar's playful spectrum of colours and humour, each piece reveals a whimsical, witty edge.
AnilKumar is a self-taught artist who is continuously experimenting with his art. Having an aptitude for social sciences, AK believed he would embark into the world of business, he later switched careers due to an insatiable desire for creative freedom. However, AnilKumar's main incentive to become an artist develops from his lasting belief that art has the power to heal the world. AnilKumar does not allow himself to be chained to any particular art genre, which has allowed him to experiment with many different techniques and practises and break conventional concepts. Many of his previous works have been inspired by nature and fantasy. However, AnilKumar's recent dive into contemporary art, seen in his latest collection, has revealed a talent for storytelling, whilst simultaneously elevating his visual practise of creating. The colour heavy original works are done on canvas and regale fantastic stories, explore hidden emotions and prod one’s consciousness to think beyond an expression of the numerous thoughts that cross the painter’s mind and reference to the material world.
“Usually, an idea spouts from something I have been reading or perceptions gathered from talking to people about a topic, or world politics. I believe we have influences all around us. It’s about taking a feeling, a passion and transforming it into a talking piece forever. I can never imagine what the end result will be, as every sequence, every conceived option builds the ultimate piece. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle only that the final image is not set prior to the start of the work but only arrived at through rigorous focus & patience.” – AnilKumar.
Exhibition History
Upcoming shows:
-World Art Dubai | Dubai World Trade Centre | 2 -5 May 2024
-Manchester Art Fair | Manchester Central | Nov 2024
-Tokyo International Art Fair (TIAF) | Bellesalle Roppongi | 29 – 30 Nov ‘24
Previous shows:
2024
-The Other Art Fair presented by Saatchi Art | Truman Brewery, London | 7 -10 Mar
2023
-Manchester Art Fair | Manchester Central
-StART Art Fair | 10th Anniversary, Saatchi Gallery, London
-SEOS | Spherical Thoughts Gallery | Royal Tunbridge Wells
-TOAF by Saatchi Art | Truman Brewery, London
2022
-The Contemporary Art Fair | Royal Windsor Racecourse
-Manchester Art Fair, UK | Manchester Central
-Group Show | Boomer Gallery | London
-TOAF | The Cutaway, Barangaroo, SYDNEY, Australia
-The Other Art Fair presented by Saatchi Art | King’s Cross, London
-South East Open Studios | Spherical Thoughts Gallery | Royal Tunbridge Wells
-Roy’s Art Fair | Truman Brewery
2021
-Manchester Art Fair | Manchester Central
-RTWAS exhibition | The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
-The Other Art Fair (Saatchi Art) | Truman Brewery
-New Artist Fair | Brick Lane, London
-The Other Art Fair by Saatchi Art | King’s Cross, London
-South East Open Studios | Spherical Thoughts Gallery | Royal Tunbridge Wells
-Pop-up Show | Royal Victoria Place, Kent, UK
2020
-MvVO AD ART SHOW 2020 | Oculus, WTC, New York
2019
-Solo Exhibition - Koi Series | Old Brompton Gallery, London
-Coffee Art Project | Truman Brewery, London
2016
-Christmas Exhibition | Diageo HQ, London