UNIQUE APPROACH TO STORYTELLING

Ankon Mitra

E2! immerses in the captivating art of Ankon Mitra’s ‘Maps Unfolded’, a show where history, geometry, and culture come to life through innovative folding techniques 

Ankon Mitra, an architect turned artist, has consistently wowed audiences with his ability to transform the simple concept of folding into powerful artistic expressions. In his solo exhibition Maps Unfolded, curated by Prashant Lahoti and exhibited at Kalakriti Art Gallery, Mitra explores the fascinating intersection of material, form, and history. Through his pioneering folding technique, Mitra brings stories of the past and present together in strikingly unique ways, proving once again why he remains at the forefront of contemporary art.

Mitra's fascination with folding began during his time studying landscape architecture, where he observed the intricate, organic patterns in nature. "From the hexagonal shape of a beehive to the spirals in a sunflower, folds create structure and shape. Even the human body is made of folds," says the 42-year-old artist. This deep connection to nature and geometry has informed his exploration of how different materials respond to the folding process.

Since his debut art show in 2014, Mitra has experimented with various materials, including textiles, paper, metal, and concrete, demonstrating how folding reveals fresh perspectives and untapped beauty. "Folding allows me to create 3D forms that come alive when light and shadow interact with them. It’s a balance between science and art, unveiling facets that wouldn’t otherwise be visible," he explains.

 

EXPLORING HISTORICAL MAPS THROUGH FOLDS

For Maps Unfolded, Mitra took inspiration from the maps in the Kalakriti Archives, one of India's largest private collections of historic maps. The maps showcased in the exhibition include traditional pilgrimage maps, bazaar maps, and city maps, each of which provides insight into the social and cultural landscape of past eras. 

One particularly striking installation contrasts a British map of Jaipur from 1920 with the UNESCO World Heritage map from 2012. By folding these maps in distinctive ways, Mitra allows the viewer to see the same geographic locations, yet separated by nearly a century of change. "I want the audience to experience how time alters borders, population, and priorities. As they move around the maps, new stories and perspectives emerge, showing how the narratives of cities and people evolve over time," he says. 

The exhibition also features installations of Tibetan maps, where the folds mimic the terrain's undulating landscape, and others where the delicate art of Origami comes to life in stunning, geometric forms. Throughout the show, themes of space, time, and nature—hallmarks of Mitra's work—are explored with clarity and innovation.

 

CELEBRATING INDIAN ROOTS IN GLOBAL ART 

Mitra’s work is a blend of universal geometric principles and distinctly Indian sensibilities. “Geometry is a global language, but I imbue my work with Indian materiality, colour, and references,” says the artist. “My approach combines global thought with deep roots in Indian culture.” This fusion of international outlook and local sensibilities has made Mitra one of India’s most exciting emerging artists, gaining recognition for his fresh, evocative interpretations of ancient techniques.

His ability to layer complexity into each fold—whether through the folds of paper or the folds of time—makes his work a visual and intellectual experience. With Maps Unfolded, Ankon Mitra continues to challenge the boundaries of art, presenting history and culture in ways that inspire new conversations about tradition, innovation, and the power of perspective.

It’s no surprise then that Ankon Mitra is now regarded as one of the most innovative young artists in India today, consistently pushing the limits of art and material.