Across the Century: AstaGuru Celebrates 100 Years of Krishen Khanna Mumbai - 21-25 January 2026

India, January 19, 2026 - AstaGuru presents Across The Century, an exclusive selling exhibition honouring the extraordinary artistic journey of Krishen Khanna, one of India's most revered modern masters. On view in Mumbai from 21 to 25 January, the exhibition brings together a finely curated selection of works spanning more than six decades of Khanna's prolific practice, including highlights from his iconic and much-loved Bandwallahs series.

Timed to coincide with the launch of a landmark centenary publication celebrating Krishen Khanna's 100 years, Across The Century unfolds as both a retrospective and a living tribute. Monumental in scope, the publication features seminal works drawn from leading institutional and private collections across the world, reaffirming Khanna's enduring relevance within the canon of modern Indian art.

Works That Chronicle the Human Condition

Among the standout works presented is Lot no. 15, Untitled (The Journey), a powerful mixed-media composition that captures the timeless themes of labour, movement and endurance. Rendered in warm, earthy tones, the work reflects both physical motion and emotional passage. Khanna's layered surface treatment enhances the sense of lived time, evoking journeys that are as internal as they are physical.

From his evocative Emmaus series comes Lot no. 17, Emmaus, an oil on canvas inspired by the biblical moment of revelation. The painting depicts a quiet yet charged encounter, with figures arranged around a table in restrained, contemplative poses. Dressed in simple white garments, their subtle gestures convey spiritual recognition and shared introspection, hallmarks of Khanna's ability to distil profound meaning through understatement.

The Bandwallahs: Rhythm, Colour and Collective Memory

A vibrant highlight of the exhibition is Lot no. 8, The Wedding Procession (Pentaptych) from the celebrated Bandwallah series. Executed in mixed media, the work unfolds as a dynamic visual symphony of sound and movement. Figures surge forward in rhythmic unison, instruments raised, bodies overlapping in animated procession.

A Life Devoted to Art

Spanning more than sixty years, Across The Century offers a rare and intimate window into the world of Krishen Khanna - an artist deeply attuned to the social, spiritual and emotional undercurrents of his time. His works capture moments of transition, memory and quiet observation, revealing humanity in its most unguarded states.

More than an exhibition, this presentation stands as a celebration of a life dedicated to art - one that continues to resonate, provoke thought and inspire new generations of collectors, scholars and art lovers alike. The exhibition aligns with AstaGuru's ongoing commitment to showcasing Indian contemporary art marvels and follows their recent success with modern odyssey auctions presenting a kaleidoscope of Indian art.

Exhibition Details

Dates: 21-25 January 2026

Venue: ICIA Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai

For art enthusiasts and collectors, this exhibition represents a rare opportunity to engage with the work of a master who has shaped India's modernist legacy alongside other iconic masters. The Kala Ghoda district continues to be Mumbai's cultural heart, home to exquisite luxury boutiques at Kala Ghoda and tranquil flagship stores that celebrate elegance.

This celebration of Krishen Khanna joins AstaGuru's historic masterpieces featuring iconic modern Indian art, continuing the auction house's tradition of spotlighting contemporary artists and modern masterpieces. For those interested in exploring more of India's artistic heritage, soulful art exhibitions across the country and Mumbai's emerging art spaces where intention becomes art offer year-round engagement with India's creative landscape.