An economist turned painter and a brilliant colourist with a strong sense of individualism, Nayanaa Kanodia is widely regarded as the pioneer of L’Art Naif in India. Over a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades (1986–2025), she has held innumerable exhibitions in India and abroad, earning international acclaim for her distinctive visual language and narrative richness.

Her works form part of the collections of major art collectors and leading corporate houses across the world. The Musée International d’Art Naïf, Paris, permanently displays her paintings, underscoring her global stature. She has also exhibited and demonstrated her painting techniques at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and was the first Indian artist whose works were selected for Paintings in Hospitals, UK. Adding to her rare international recognition, she has been featured in Women in Art, an esteemed international publication by Reinhard Fuchs. She was further honoured when she was chosen from among artists of all Commonwealth countries to present a solo exhibition at their newly renovated complex in London.

Between 1986 and 2025, Nayanaa Kanodia has presented six solo exhibitions abroad and participated in 50 group shows internationally, while in India she has held 40 solo exhibitions and taken part in an extraordinary 256 group exhibitions—a testament to her prolific output, sustained relevance, and pioneering contribution to Indian contemporary art.