Artist Viraj Khanna
Viraj Khanna, a Kolkata-based artist, who’s work delves deep into the curated narratives we construct on social media—where perfection is often emphasized, and imperfections are conveniently erased- is a standout artist from India Art Fair 2025.
Khanna’s journey into art was unconventional yet inevitable. Initially involved in his family’s fashion business—his mother is the celebrated designer Anamika Khanna—he was immersed in the world of embroidery from an early age. “Growing up, I was exposed to embroidery through my family business. I used to oversee the embroidery section, pricing samples and learning about the craft. That knowledge stuck with me,” he shares. This foundation would later serve as a key element in his artistic practice, where he employs embroidery, fabric collage, and even fiberglass sculptures to construct vivid, dreamlike imagery that is both satirical and self-reflective.
Khanna’s work isn’t just visually captivating; it resonates deeply with the digital-first generation. His latest exhibition, BRAIN ROT, is an exploration of the overstimulation and curated perfection of social media. “People have told me, ‘This is exactly how I feel, but I’d never say it out loud.’ That relatability makes it resonate,” he explains. His ability to capture the essence of online culture—where nonchalance and hyper-curated aesthetics collide—has cemented his place as one of India’s most exciting young artists.
“The images we share create perceptions about us. We tend to share only our perfect side of life on social media. And this is something I comment on with my practice,” says Khanna. His use of embroidery, particularly threadwork, allows him to subtly manipulate these images, highlighting the contrast between an idealized reality and its more complex, unfiltered counterpart. By incorporating 3D materials, he adds layers of interpretation, emphasizing elements that might otherwise be overlooked.
Currently, Khanna is experimenting with ‘khakha’—the tracing paper used in embroidery— “I am using the needle holes in the khakha to create marks on different surfaces by applying paint over it,” he reveals. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, Khanna is also pursuing an MFA at the Art Institute of Chicago, which he credits for reshaping his understanding of art’s role in contemporary culture.
“My ideas about what art is and how art is evolving have changed,” he reflects. “The art we make says so much about the times we live in. It takes into account whatever has happened in the past while thinking of the future—by expressing it in the present. It preserves culture, creates awareness, and keeps us human.”
With his fearless approach to experimentation and keen insight into social behavior, Viraj Khanna is not just an artist; he is a storyteller of the digital age.
