Viraj Khanna

Viraj Khanna is a visual artist from India who primarily works in the medium of textile. Khanna’s narrative-based works are focused on ‘stylising’ the image. The artist is intrigued by eye-catching moments which are particularly shared on social media. We save memories which are most exciting or meaningful to us in different ways and sometimes share them on social media. The artist reflects upon how people always share their best moments and underscore only the best parts of their lives on social media, thereby creating an image of perfection. The different materials available in embroidery help the artist achieve different moods. One can also highlight certain aspects of the image using 3D materials as and when required. For the artist, threadwork is far more subtle yet striking  when compared to Zardosi work. The material helps the artist create a dream-like imagery, which is open to interpretation. There is a marked distinction in the final work produced when compared to the original image, this resonates with the artist in regards to the concerns of ‘social appearance’. 

Viraj studied Business Administration at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles in 2018. Khanna’s works have been exhibited in solo shows at the LOFT, Gallery Art Exposure, Kolkata (2021); Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai (2022); India Art Fair (2023) and recently at the National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai (2023). He is currently pursuing his MFA at the Art Institute of Chicago.