…. Curator’s Pen by Prabuddha Ghosh

Krishen Khanna at 100: A Centenary Tribute to the Painter of the People As the world m arks the birth centenary of Krishen Khanna , we pause to honour an artist who chronicled the soul of a nation through the eyes of its people. A genre painter and narrative artist of profound depth, Khanna spent more than seven decades interpreting life not as an isolated individual but as a sensitive witness to human experience — one who shaped canvas and clay with compassion, memory, and quiet resilience. Born in 1925 in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan), Khanna’s artistic vision was profoundly shaped by the cataclysmic rupture of Partition . Like millions, he endured the trauma of displacement. Yet what set him apart was his enduring ability to transform pain into empathy, and empathy into art. The Partition not only moved him geographically but also emotionally and spiritually — steering his life-long engagement with themes of loss, survival, and resilience . His work, while intensely perso...

  The Contemporary Art Scene: A Crisis of Depth and Authenticity by Prabuddha Ghosh In recent years, the contemporary art world has witnessed an unsettling shift—one that raises critical questions about the integrity and future of artistic expression. While innovation and experimentation are vital in any creative field, today’s art scene seems increasingly dominated by a "so light" mentality. Many artists approach their practice with a concerning lack of seriousness regarding authenticity, depth, and conceptual grounding. Rather than exploring meaningful subjects or pushing creative boundaries, a growing number of artists appear more focused on replicating popular trends and catering to market demands. Originality and introspection are often sidelined in favor of commercial appeal. As a result, the art produced is frequently shallow—both in aesthetic and message—lacking the emotional and intellectual resonance that once defined significant works. This copycat culture, ...