A 100 years of Krishen Khanna

Krishen Khanna, the painter whose brushstrokes helped draw the contours of Indian modern art, is 100. Still painting, still drawing, still sketching. The last of the surviving modernists and one of India’s most influential artists celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, his empathetic brush spanning the history of contemporary India through all its highs and lows. The artist who painted common Indian life on canvas, right from truckwallas, labourers, fisherfolk to fakirs, has been one of the most celebrated artists. He shares his secret, “Art is not just about making faces or drawing this or that. It’s the churning of the spirit inside, which is far more important. Everything else then falls into place.” The artist community and art connoisseurs across India join together to celebrate the milestone year in Khanna’s life—Surreal encounterKrishen Khanna is an iconic figure in Indian modern art whose work resonates with a quiet, stirring power. Deeply humanistic and rich with narrative, his paintings explore themes of faith, conflict and the understated poetry of everyday life. The Last Supper from his Christ series holds a special place in my heart. One of my most cherished memories is visiting his studio. As I watched him paint in contemplative silence, lost in thought, it felt surreal. — Shalini PassiMoving with timesKrishen Khanna is the only Indian artist who has truly seen it all — from the days of British rule to the turbulence of Partition, through the dramatic shifts of the ’50s and ’60s and beyond. But he hasn’t just lived through history — he’s responded to it, absorbed it and transformed it into art with remarkable awareness and sensitivity. At 100, he’s still evolving, still creating, still moving with the times. That’s what makes him extraordinary — his ability to adapt without ever losing himself. — Diwan mannaLove his generosityI met Krishen Khanna when I was just starting out in this field. Our first meeting was at the RPG Art Workshop in Mumbai. He carried no airs despite being such a celebrated artist. He would mingle freely with young artists like me, generously sharing his experiences and insights — many of which helped shape my own journey. I admire the vibrancy of his palette, and especially drawn to his iconic Bandwallas series. What touched me deeply was his gesture of taking the time to attend and encourage me during my solo show in Delhi. He has continued to inspire and support artists across generations, and his humility and generosity remain as remarkable as his art. — Nabibakhsh MansooriInfectious energyI hear even at his age Krishen Khanna continues to work every single day — a true source of inspiration for any artist. His energy, passion, and unwavering dedication to art are infectious. His role in elevating the stature of Indian art on the global stage is significant. — Bheem MalhotraA privilege, a celebrationKrishen Khanna is a visionary who shares his thoughts through art, not just with colour, but with emotion, history, and action. His work reflects the personality, psyche, and contradictions of a nation. A century of masterpieces can be found across the globe, and what inspires me most is the deep emotion captured in every piece. I remember studying his iconic Bandwallahs series, a reflection of daily life, migration, music, and the energy brought into any celebration. Celebrating 100 years of Krishen Khanna feels like a privilege. To witness, study, and be influenced by his artistic journey, one that resonates with society and culture, is truly humbling. — Ankita GuptaColour is voiceAt 105arts, a young gallery rooted in Chandigarh’s creative soil, we often find ourselves tracing the footsteps of artists who shaped India’s visual language. Kishan Khanna, whose hundredth birth anniversary we mark today, is one such presence — quiet yet unmistakable. Kishan ji’s portraits, filled with stillness and quiet observation, continue to move something in us. His ability to hold the ordinary and the intimate in one frame has influenced many of the voices we’ve chosen to exhibit. He didn’t just paint; he remembered out loud. And through him, we learned that memory is colour, and colour is voice. On his centenary, we offer no grand tribute —just this quiet reflection, and a gratitude that we are, somehow a part of his long, wandering story in the epic of Indian art. With deep respect — Mehak Bhan

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