Krishen Khanna – Short Artist Bio
Krishen Khanna (b. 1925) is one of India’s most celebrated modern artists and a prominent member of the legendary Progressive Artists’ Group. Born in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan), he moved to India during the Partition and later studied in Lahore. Entirely self-taught as an artist, Khanna developed a distinctive visual language marked by expressive figures, powerful narratives, and a deep engagement with the human condition.
Over a career spanning more than seven decades, his work has explored themes of migration, social change, musicians, workers, and everyday life, rendered through rich colours and dynamic compositions. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian art, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011. His works are held in major public and private collections worldwide, cementing his position as a pioneering figure in modern Indian art.