Page 107 - AstaGuru Modern Odyssey

Lot No. 74

KRISHEN KHANNA
b. 1925

FINALE TO A THUMRI
48 x 36 in (122 x 91.4 cm)
Oil on canvas
Signed: Bottom Right

` 20,00,000 - 30,00,000 | $ 24,390 - 36,585

Provenance: Property from an important collection
based in Mumbai.

This work by Krishen Khanna exemplifies his proclivity
for musicians as a character group. The artist
consistently captures performers immersed in the
enchantment of acoustics. In contrast to the vibrant
stylized treatments seen in his Bandwalla series,
this particular piece portrays a group of musicians
adorned in subtle and inconspicuous attire with a
muted colour composition. The poised demeanour
of the musicians, coupled with their instruments,
highlights Krishen Khanna’s narrative prowess.

While he is often associated with amiable imagery
in his Bandwalla series, this painting stands out as
unique due to the infusion of a certain degree of
spirituality. The musicians appear transported into
a realm of trance and devotion, elevating their Khanna’s participation in various group shows
performance to a form of communication with the includes notable events such as the Biennale
creator of sound and silence. gatherings in Tokyo in 1957 and 1961, Sao Paulo in
1960, and Venice in 1962. He was part of the Festival
Khanna, a self-taught artist, has honed the skill of India in the former USSR in 1987 and Japan in
of capturing fleeting moments on canvas. Before 1988. Additionally, he contributed to decision-making
dedicating himself to art full-time, he worked at bodies at the Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of
Grindlays Bank. His artistic journey led him to join Modern Art, and Roopanker Museum. In recognition
Bombay’s PAG, and he received the Rockefeller of his contributions, Krishen Khanna was awarded
Fellowship in 1962, residing at the American the Padma Bhushan in 2011. He currently resides and
University in Washington during 1963 and 1964. works in Delhi.