Page 162 - Dimensions Defined

Lot No. 133
KRISHEN KHANNA
b. 1925

UNTITLED
30 x 50.5 x 27 in (76.2 x 128.2 x 68.5cm)
Copper sheet on fibreglass

` 15,00,000 - 20,00,000 | $ 18,293 - 24,390
Provenance: Property from a collection based in
New Delhi.

The presented lot by Krishen Khanna is a large-
scale sculpture executed in bronze. Marked by
monumentality and ambition of scale, Khanna’s
creations emerge from the depth of his nuanced
imagination. Showcasing acts of heroism, both
small and great, as well as the ironic subtleties of
life, these grand works executed with pulsating
imagery reverberate a sense of tranquil force.
For works in this style, the artist has often
drawn inspiration from the traditional motifs
of miniature and mural paintings, such as the
elephant and tiger, as shown in the presented lot.
It depicts a faunal fight between these two
majestic animals. Rendered in a shadowy aura,
the work focuses on the figures, capturing a
compelling exchange of energy and combat.
The artist showcases his multifaceted artistic
mastery in this powerful and compelling work.

Krishen Khanna was born in Lyallpur, which is now
known as Faisalabad, Pakistan, in 1925 during
pre-partition India. He started his art education
with evening classes at the Mayo School of Art
in Lahore before moving to England, to study at
the Imperial Service College on a scholarship.
During the partition, he moved to India, first to
Shimla and then to Bombay where he secured
a job with Grindlays Bank. It was during this time
that he was invited to join the Progressive Artists’
Group and remained an active member for the
rest of his career. In October 1960, Khanna had
his first solo exhibition in the UK at The Leicester
Galleries in London.