Krishen Khanna

Krishen Khanna (born July 5, 1925) is a legendary figure in modern Indian art. He is renowned for his powerful engagement with humanity and his refusal to abandon the human form in an era dominated by abstract art.

Early Life and Career

Born in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan), Khanna grew up in Lahore and studied in England. The violent displacement of his family during the 1947 Partition deeply scarred him, embedding themes of memory and trauma into his consciousness. While working as a banker in Bombay, his immense talent caught the attention of the iconic Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG), which he was invited to join. In 1961, he left banking to devote himself entirely to art.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Khanna’s figurative style is dynamic, expressionistic, and deeply empathetic. Three defining aspects of his work include:

• Subaltern Focus: Celebrates marginalized figures, capturing the weariness and vibrant humanity of laborers.
• Allegorical Narratives: Uses biblical iconography and epic myths to critique contemporary political realities.
• Spontaneous Style: Employs bold brushwork and color as a dynamic graphic record of transient moments.

Legacy & Current Years

As the last surviving member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, Khanna celebrated his 100th birthday in July 2025. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2011), the centenarian maestro continues to sketch and create from his home in Gurgaon, proving that art remains a vital “churning of the spirit.”