Kanwal Krishna and Devyani

 

Kanwal Krishna (1912-1990) and Devyani Krishna (1910-2000): A Creative Partnership

Kanwal Krishna and Devyani Krishna were a remarkable artistic duo who significantly contributed to Indian modernism through their profound love, shared artistic journeys, and impactful works.

Kanwal Krishna:

• A pioneer of Indian landscape painting and a key figure in early Indian modernism.
• Born in Kamalia, pre-partition Punjab, in 1910.
• Studied at the Government College of Art and Craft in Calcutta from 1933 to 1939.
• Explored watercolor depictions of the landscape, with a focus on the Himalayas, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Tibet.
• In 1940, he documented and filmed the enthronement ceremony of the 14th Dalai Lama in Lhasa, making him the only Indian artist to achieve this.
• Co-founded the Delhi Silpi Chakra in 1949, providing a platform for modern art in New Delhi.
• Joined the Modern School in New Delhi in 1953, where he later experimented with printmaking.
• Traveled extensively, including visits to Europe, leading him towards abstraction.
• Known for his masterful landscapes of the Himalayas and innovative printmaking techniques.
• Visited Paris in 1953, studying printmaking at Atelier 17 for three months.

Devyani Krishna:

• A multifaceted artist excelling in painting, printmaking, and teaching.
• Devyani was born in 1910 ad. in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. In the year 1936, she moved to Bombay and joined Sir J. J. School of Art to pursue her interest in painting. After graduating in 1940, she also completed a specialization in mural painting.
• Worked in diverse styles, including landscapes inspired by travel experiences, studies of Indian toys, folk motifs, and batik designs.
• Recognized by art critic Richard Bartholomew as "India's foremost woman artist" during her time.
• Played a crucial role in documenting the arts and culture of the Himalayas during travels with Kanwal.
• Served as the Head of the Art Department at the Modern School, Delhi, for over two decades.
• Inspired countless students with her dedication to education.

Their Shared Journey:

• Kanwal and Devyani married in 1942, embarking on a shared artistic and personal journey.
• From 1949 to 1952, they retreated to the Himalayas, immersing themselves in the cultures of Sikkim, the Tibetan border, and the North-West Frontier Province.
• Their paintings from this period vividly depict Tibetan masks, ritual dances, and Buddhist art, reflecting the region's spiritual essence.
• Witnessed and were deeply impacted by historical events, including the loss of Tibetan autonomy to China.

Legacy:

• Kanwal and Devyani's artistic legacy continues to inspire generations, with their works found in major museums and private collections worldwide.
• Their dedication to art, love for travel and exploration, and connection with diverse cultures resonate with art lovers and historians.

Notable Works: Kanwal Krishna:

• Landscape of Ladakh (1942)
• Enthronement of the Dalai Lama (1940)
• Khyber Pass (1945)
• Norwegian Landscape (1960s)
• Shivering Sun

Devyani Krishna:

• Tibetan Mask (1950s)
• Veiled Mask
• Village Scene (1960s)
• Folk Motif Series (1970s)
• Batik Wall Hanging (1980s)

Their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of art, transcending borders and celebrating the love between two souls united by a shared passion for creativity and discovery.