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.

Khakha Paintings

Khakha is a perforated paper used to transfer designs onto fabric by dusting charcoal powder, serving as a guide for embroidery. Viraj has been exposed to the processes of fashion design and embroidery since a young age. For his artistic practice, the khakha is central to his creative vision and serves as a critical bridge between conception and creation.

Embroidery, by its nature, is structured and deliberate, with individual stitches meticulously forming a cohesive image. The artist’s vision must be predetermined, while skilled artisans translate it onto cloth with precision. In this series, however, Viraj uses the khakha to break free from these constraints. On canvas, the paint that seeps through the needle holes create a unique imprint—never uniform, always fluid. This unpredictability grants him the freedom to shift from participant to creator, allowing the work to take shape in the moment.

The spontaneity and fluidity of the medium invite him to follow his instincts, expressing himself through color or its deliberate absence. Little can be predetermined; much of the art is formed on the spot. Here, the act of making takes precedence over the final outcome.

Viraj Khanna

Love Me, Love My Dog at India Art Fair

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