S.K.Sahni
Born: 1937
Interested in Art since childhood. Joined Sir J J School of Art, Mumbai and accomplished diploma in Painting. Graduated from Delhi University in 1970 and Post-Graduation (Painting) from Meerut University in 1977.
Worked in National Children’s Museum, National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. (1962-73) Worked in National Gallery of Modern Art, New Deli. (1973-95) and retired as its Keeper (Curator) in 1995.
During 80’s Sahni started his journey with straight lines and in the last four decades, he has created a body of works which were exhibited in different exhibitions. He has held 20 solo shows in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi and Chandigarh. He has participated in number of group shows and Artists’ Workshops. A few major solo shows are:- “Lines of Vision”(101works of last two decades) at AIFACS Gallery in 2001; “Linear Explorations” curated by E. Alkazi, Art Heritage, New Delhi in 2007; “Symphony of Straight Lines”& “Space A to Z” at Shridharani Gallery, N.Delhi in 2009 & 2013. A Retrospective Exhibition of his works (1962-2014) was held at AIFACS Galleries in 2016. His works have been shown seven times in National Exhibitions of Art organized by National Academy of Arts. His work was displayed in an international fair “India Art Fair, New Delhi- 2018” in Booth No. 10.
Received many awards including Junior Fellowship (1991-94) and Senior Fellowship (1996-98) from Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India. Received National Exhibitions award of AIFACS during 1996, 1998 & 2005. Sahitya Kala Parishad award in 1999.
In his works there is a gradual transformation from the earlier rigid geometry to fluid forms full of inner energy explored with lines and colors. The color which in his earlier works was just secondary is now playing its role more actively. The works seems to exemplify the great German philosopher’s idea of “purposiveness without a purpose”. Each work emerges from the canon of creativity and leads to an unusual aesthetic experience.
In the book “Journey of the Straight Line” Dr SS Bhatti, Former Principal, College of Architecture, Chandigarh, critically analyzed his works and had attempted to give words to his images.
His works are in many prestigious public and private collections in India and abroad such as National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; Govt. Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh; Alkazi Arts Foundation & Osian Foundation, New Delhi.
