Narendra Srivastava
1931 — 2015 | Abstract Art · Op Art · Typography
Narendra Srivastava in his studio, surrounded by a lifetime of works
In Memoriam. Narendra Srivastava was a close personal friend and a gifted artist whose work in abstract art, Op Art, and typographic design deserves to be remembered.
Biography
Narendra Srivastava (1931–2015) was a versatile artist whose practice spanned abstract painting, Op Art, typographic design, and ceramics. His artistic vision combined geometric abstraction with a deep engagement with Indian cultural forms — particularly the Devanagari script, which he incorporated into his paintings as both letterform and compositional element.
In the 1960s–70s, his lithographs were published in Paris by Jean Lavigne, a noted publisher of geometric abstraction works. Later in his career, he continued to evolve, creating paintings that merged typographical design with abstract composition, as seen in works like Karma and Ma (2009).
Beyond the gallery, his design work reached the public sphere — from the NDMC logo (New Delhi Municipal Council, 1984) to the Pierre Cardin logo, an iconic spiral that became one of the most recognisable brand marks in fashion.
| Born | 1931 |
| Died | 2015 |
| Movement | Abstract Art, Op Art, Typographic Design |
| Mediums | Lithograph, acrylic, ceramics |
| Active Period | 1971–2009+ |
| Notable Works | NDMC Logo (1984), Pierre Cardin Logo, Karma & Ma (2009) |
Known Works
Three lithographs from 1971, all published by Jean Lavigne, Paris. Each is signed and numbered in pencil on Arches paper.
Composition cinétique 3
Dark navy background with biomorphic form filled with concentric radiating stripes in orange, yellow, green, magenta, and white.
Composition cinétique 2
Horizontal geometric print with overlapping curved shapes, a prominent circular motif of red concentric rings, and broad flat color fields.
Composition cinétique
Bright lime green background with centered red square and a large circle of concentric rings creating a corkscrew illusion.
Typographic Paintings
In his later years, Narendra explored the visual possibilities of the Devanagari script, transforming letters into abstract geometric compositions.
"Karma" and "Ma"
Two companion paintings that use the Devanagari script as a starting point for geometric abstraction. The letterforms are deconstructed and reassembled into bold compositions of red, black, white, and grey — where the word becomes image, and the image becomes meditation.
Design & Applied Works
NDMC Logo
The New Delhi Municipal Council commissioned Narendra to design their official logo. The design incorporates the silhouette of the NDMC building with two identical leaves on either side, symbolising the council's role in serving and nurturing the city. The logo was adopted in 1984 and remains in use today.
Decorative Plate
A ceramic plate showcasing Narendra's eye for concentric geometric patterns. The purple rim frames an intricate design of blue and orange lines radiating from the centre, demonstrating his ability to translate Op Art principles into three-dimensional decorative objects.
Pierre Cardin Logo
The iconic spiral logo for fashion designer Pierre Cardin — a testament to Narendra's reach beyond the gallery world into international brand design. The bold black-and-white spiral demonstrates his mastery of geometric abstraction at a global scale.