Krishen Khanna

Krishen Khanna (born 1925) is an Indian painter known for his figurative and narrative works depicting human experiences and historical moments. Born in Faisalabad, Pakistan, he grew up in Lahore and began studying art through evening classes at the Mayo School of Art. Following Partition in 1947, his family moved to Shimla, an experience that deeply influenced his early work. Largely self-taught, Khanna developed an expressive style marked by vibrant colour and spontaneous brushwork. He became associated with the Progressive Artists’ Group and exhibited with them in 1949. Over his long career, he held numerous exhibitions in India and abroad. He received the Padma Shri in 1990 and Lalit Kala Ratna in 2004. Khanna lives and works in New Delhi.