Artist
Surjit Akre is a distinguished Indian contemporary painter whose professional journey spans more than four decades of dedicated studio practice. She occupies a singular position in Indian art history as the first—and to date the only—Indian artist during the Soviet Union period to have completed Postgraduate specialization in Easel Painting from the prestigious Ilya Repin Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), former USSR, one of the world’s most rigorous academies of classical fine arts. This rare Russian academic training endowed her with exceptional command over draughtsman ship, anatomy, tonal realism and compositional discipline, elements that continue to distinguish her mature artistic language. Working across oil on canvas, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, sanguine and pencil, Akre has evolved a deeply human figurative vocabulary rooted in autobiographical memory, feminine experience, social contradiction, emotional silence and philosophical reflection. Over the decades, she has presented more than eighty solo exhibitions and participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, camps and cultural forums in India and abroad. Her works are housed in important private and institutional collections, while her sustained role in fostering Indo-Russian cultural exchange has further established her as both an accomplished artist and a respected cultural interlocutor. SELECTED AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS & INTERNATIONAL HONOURS 2017 — International Award named after Nicholas Roerich in the nomination of Artistic Creativity in Visual Art, Government of Russia. 2009 — Pushkin Medal awarded by the President of the Russian Federation for contribution to Indo-Russian cultural friendship. 2008 — Friendship Medal from the Russian Centre for Scientific and Cultural Cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow, for strengthening Indo-Russian artistic relations. 2008 — Silver Medal for Generosity, K.A. Savitski Institute of Art, Penza City, Russia. 2008 — Honour Award from the Mayor of Penza City, Russia, for contribution to Indo-Russian Friendship. 1996–1998 — Senior Fellowship as Outstanding Artist, Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Culture, New Delhi. 1989–1991 — Junior Fellowship as Outstanding Artist, Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Culture, New Delhi. 1990 — AIFACS President of India Silver Plaque & Dr. M. S. Randhawa Memorial Cash Award, All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, New Delhi. 1987 — Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, Youth Festival, New Delhi. 1985 — Highly Commended Award, Annual Postgraduate Works Exhibition, St. Petersburg, USSR. 1983 — First Award, State Level Russian Language & Literature Contest among foreign students, St. Petersburg, USSR. 1980 — First Award, State Level Composition in Russian Language, St. Petersburg, USSR. 1973 — Women’s Polytechnic Exhibition Award, New Delhi. SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2026 — Bihar, Patna Museum, Retrospective “Quiet Stories: Half a Century” — 50 Years of Art by Surjit Akre (1975–2025) 2025 — India Habitat Centre, 85th Solo Show, Convention Foyer, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 2025 — Ahmedabad, Urmila art gallery, Kanoria Centre for Arts, 84th solo show, "Chitrakatha: Kahaniyon Ki Kalpana" Recent Paintings by Surjit Akre 2025 — Hyderabad, Chitramayee State Gallery of Art, Madhapur, “Hues of my Soul” 2024 — Bhopal, , Roopankar Museum of Fine Arts, 85th Solo Exhibition“Grace and Grit” Recent Paintings 2024 — Amritsar, Thakur Singh Art Gallery, “Shades of Punjab” 2024 —Delhi, AIFACS, “Visions of Time”81st Solo Exhibition of Paintings & Drawings 2023 — Chandigarh Museun and Art Gallery Recent Works Exhibition 2023 — Jaipur, Art Chill, Solo Exhibition 2019 — Mumbai, Jehangir Art Gallery Solo Show Recent Paintings 2019 — Saint. Petersburg. Sponsored by Roerich Family Museum Institute 2016 —Varanasi, Bharat Kala Bhavan sponsored by Banaras Hindu University. 2015 — Kolkata, Birla Academy of Art & Culture. 2014— Saint. Petersburg, Russia “Baramaha” Museum i. i. Brodskiy. 2014 — Solo Exhibition, Russian Centre of Science and Culture 2013 — Delhi, Chennai L.K.A.“I want to live”,Solo show 2012 — New Delhi. ICCR” Earthly Heaven” 2008 — Solo Exhibition, Penza Regional Art Gallery, Penza 2008 — Toronto, Canada. Living Art Centre. “Colours" 2004 — Solo Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries (80+ Solo Exhibitions Presented Across India and Abroad Since 1975)
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
Myna Kakar represents the following artists through the Verandah art gallery, Kolkata, India. If you are an artist looking to expand your representation, please send an inmail to Myna Kakar. To view a tabular list of represented artists, click here.
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
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HEAD by Surjit Akre (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on Canvas
New artwork uploaded.... figurative art, stylized portrait, modern aesthetics, graphite drawing, golden background, contemporary painting, emotive expression, bold colors, abstract lines, artistic identity This striking portrait captures the essence of elegance and introspection. The artist employs a unique blend of graphite and acrylic, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. The subject's serene yet enigmatic expression evokes a sense of mystery, inviting the viewer to ponder her story. Set against a warm, golden background, the piece harmonizes modern techniques with timeless themes of identity and emotion, making it a captivating addition to any contemporary collection. The painting features a stylized female figure with wavy hair that showcases distinct, rhythmic lines. Her face is depicted with a smooth, pale complexion, accentuated by bold, angular features. The eyes are slightly narrowed, and the lips are painted a striking red, providing a focal point. She wears a simple white garment, which contrasts with the warm, golden background. The overall composition is balanced, with the figure centrally positioned. The texture of the hair is meticulously rendered, adding depth, while the matte finish of the background enhances the subject's prominence. This painting resonates with the works of early 20th-century artists like Tamara de Lempicka and Amedeo Modigliani, who similarly explored stylized portraits with bold lines and simplified forms. The use of limited color palettes and strong facial features creates emotional depth, reminiscent of Modigliani's elongated figures. The warm background echoes de Lempicka's use of rich tones, adding a modern twist to classic themes of beauty and identity.
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HEAD by Surjit Akre (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on Canvas
New artwork uploaded.... portrait art, cultural identity, bold colors, geometric patterns, female figure, modern art, introspection, contemporary style, vibrant background, expression This striking portrait captures the essence of cultural identity through a modern lens. The artist employs bold colors and geometric patterns to create a captivating contrast that draws the viewer in. The figure's serene expression reflects a deep sense of introspection, inviting contemplation on heritage and individuality. With meticulous attention to detail and a unique stylistic approach, this artwork stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms, making it a compelling addition to any collection. The painting features a close-up of a female figure against a vibrant yellow background. The subject has a striking, angular face with a prominent nose and full lips painted in a deep red. Her hair is styled in an elaborate checkered pattern of black and orange, which contrasts sharply with her pale complexion. She wears elegant earrings that add a touch of sophistication. The overall composition is balanced, focusing on the subject's expressive eyes, which convey a sense of quiet strength. The texture of the painting is smooth, emphasizing the bold colors and defined lines. This painting bears resemblance to works by artists like Amedeo Modigliani, known for his elongated forms and expressive portraits. The use of bold color contrasts and geometric patterns is reminiscent of works by Henri Matisse, particularly in his exploration of color and form. Both artists emphasize emotional depth and cultural themes through their distinctive styles, linking this artwork to a broader narrative within modern portraiture.
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HEAD by Surjit Akre (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on Canvas
New artwork uploaded.... portrait art, modern style, figurative painting, bold colors, introspective theme, cultural elements, contemporary art, acrylic medium, female figure, elegant expression This striking portrait captures the essence of introspection and grace. The subject's elongated features and thoughtful expression invite viewers into a world of contemplation, highlighting the delicate interplay of light and shadow. With a bold background and subtle details, this piece embodies a modern interpretation of classical portraiture, making it a compelling addition to any contemporary collection. The painting features a side profile of a woman with elongated facial features. Her skin is rendered in soft gray tones, contrasting against a deep reddish-brown background. She has large, expressive eyes and full lips painted in a vibrant crimson. The woman wears a small, green floral earring and a traditional nose ring, adding a touch of cultural detail. Her hair is styled in a braided updo, accentuated by a thin band. The texture of the canvas enhances the precision of the lines and the depth of the colors. This work evokes the style of Amrita Sher-Gil, particularly in its emphasis on feminine grace and introspection. Similar to Sher-Gil's portraits, it combines a strong color palette with elegant lines and cultural motifs, creating a dialogue between traditional and modern aesthetics.
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Head by Surjit Akre (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on Canvas
New artwork uploaded.... portrait art, figurative drawing, monochrome artwork, cultural identity, modern aesthetics, female empowerment, stylized features, vibrant accents, contemporary art, bold backgrounds This striking portrait captures the essence of grace and strength through a masterful interplay of monochrome and vibrant accents. The artist employs a unique technique that highlights the subject’s strong features and cultural identity, inviting viewers to explore themes of femininity and beauty. The juxtaposition of the soft facial contours against a bold background creates a compelling visual narrative. This piece is perfect for collectors who appreciate modern interpretations of traditional motifs. The artwork features a profile of a woman, rendered in grayscale with intricate detailing. Her hair is styled in a braid, accentuated by a series of small, circular adornments. The subject's prominent facial features include high cheekbones, a broad forehead, and a distinctive nose ring, adding to her strong presence. Her lips are painted a vivid red, providing a striking contrast against the muted tones of her skin. The background is a rich, warm red, enhancing the overall composition and drawing focus to the figure. The texture is smooth, highlighting the artist's precise techniques. This painting shares a visual affinity with works by artists like Pablo Picasso, particularly in his use of stylized forms and bold color contrasts. The strong profile and simplified features resonate with the themes seen in Cubism, while the vibrant background echoes the emotional depth often found in modern portraiture. Similar pieces often explore identity and femininity, making them visually comparable in their themes and styles.
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HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
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HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
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Myna Kakar represents the following artists through the Verandah art gallery, Kolkata, India. If you are an artist looking to expand your representation, please send an inmail to Myna Kakar. To view a tabular list of represented artists, click here.
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HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
HEAD (2022)
22 inches in x 20 inches in, Oil on CanvasBy Surjit Akre
*Price of original artwork including shipping
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