Krishen Khanna is an eminent Indian painter, born on July 5, 1925, in Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan. Known for his evocative and socially conscious works, Khanna's art often delves into themes of human suffering, displacement, and the everyday lives of ordinary people. He began his artistic journey in the post-independence era and quickly became one of the leading figures in modern Indian art.
Khanna moved to India during the Partition in 1947, a traumatic event that profoundly influenced his work. Although he initially pursued a career in banking, his passion for art led him to join the Progressive Artists' Group in Bombay, alongside luminaries like M.F. Husain and F.N. Souza. This association played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision and style, which combines elements of realism with a deep emotional resonance.
One of Khanna's most notable series is *The Bandwallas*, which portrays brass bands at Indian weddings. These paintings, rich in color and detail, reflect the duality of celebration and melancholy. Another significant work is *The Last Supper*, where Khanna reinterprets the biblical scene within an Indian context, imbuing it with contemporary social relevance.
Throughout his career, Khanna has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, earning critical acclaim for his ability to capture the complexities of human experience. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011.
Krishen Khanna continues to be an influential figure in Indian art, with his works held in major collections and museums worldwide. His paintings not only document the socio-political landscape of India but also evoke universal themes of survival, identity, and resilience.