Founder
Kanu Nayak born on 9th December 1930 at Pansar, Gujarat, India is an eminent artist, art critic, art educationist, and author of art books. He is the founder of the art institute 'Aakar Bharati'; and the association of artists named 'Aakar Gauravi'. He has been a visiting lecturer at Sir J.J.School of Art, Bandra School of Art & other art colleges. His father Master Chunilal Nayak was a much adored stage & film actor. As a trained and practising artist Kanu Nayak has held several exhibitions of his paintings.
Through his ardent efforts and innovative approach in batik art, Kanu Nayak’s batik paintings have been respected through exhibitions as fine art objects and are in collections in U.S.A., England, Lebanon, Switzerland, Japan, Dubai etc. His dream to have an 'Art Gallery' in Mumbai Suburb has taken shape this year, and shall be dedicated to the nation on 9th December, 2008.
He has published thirteen books in Gujarati entitled 'Kala Madhurya' (also in Marathi), 'Kala Patheya', 'Bhartiya Chitra Kala', 'Kala Sampada', 'Kala Vaibhav', 'Kala Kaustubh' etc. and a book of original poems 'Kavyankan'. He has co-authored various entries on art in 'Gujarati Viswakosha' (Encyclopedia).
Through his widely acclaimed art columns in leading Gujarati newspapers like ' Mumbai Samachar', 'Janmabhoomi - Pravasi, 'Gujarat Samachar', 'Jana Shakti', and magazines like ' Navnit – Samarpan', ' Kumar', ' Gujarat' etc.. of he has appraised about 2400 artists and helped them to get recognition; and these efforts of still continue.
In 1955 he got silver medal as of best art teacher in the first 'Bombay State Art Exhibition'. He has received in 1999 'Eminent Artist Award' from A.I.F.A.C.S at the hands of Shri. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the former president of India. He has been felicitated for his life long contribution in art in 2002 by 'Art Society of India', where he has served on a responsible post for 13 years.
'Amrita Parva' (Platinum year) was celebrated with memento awarded by 'Amrita', 'Girnar Award' was given by 'Brihan Mumbai Gujarati Samaj' & Lions Club International of arranged facilitation functions to honour his service to art field. His informative art book 'Kala Patheya' was recognized with prizes by 'Gujarat Sahitya Academy' and 'Gujarati Sahitya Parishad' (1992) and 'Kala Sampada' & 'Kala Vaibhav' by Maharashtra Gujarati Sahitya Academy (2008).
His devotion, his contribution in the field of art has been universally acclaimed by ' America Asian Who's who', ' Gujarti Sahityakar Kosh' ' Who's who of Indian Writers (Delhi) and magazines like 'Kumar' , 'Gujarat' and the news papers like 'Janma bhoomi', 'Sambhav' etc.
His family consists of wife Smt. Jyoti & three Sons Nipun, Kenner & Bhavik. Their love and support has made Kanu Nayak a prominent artist and a fulfilled man.
Kanu Nayak
Date of Birth : 09th Dec. 1930
