S.K. Sahni
Indian Contemporary Artist | Master of Linear Abstraction
Biography
S.K. Sahni, born in 1937, pursued his formal art education at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and later earned degrees from Delhi University and Meerut University. His career spanned curatorial work at the National Children's Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, where he retired as Keeper (Curator) in 1995.
Over the decades, his art evolved from rigid straight-line compositions in the 1980s to vibrant, fluid explorations of form and color. Sahni has held over 20 solo exhibitions across India and participated in numerous group shows and retrospectives, leaving a lasting mark on the Indian art scene.
He has been a mentor to young artists, advocating a balance between disciplined structure and creative intuition, reflecting his philosophy of "purposiveness without a purpose."
Artistic Style
- Minimal straight-line compositions evolving into fluid forms over time.
- Signature symmetrical patterns in abstract compositions.
- Masterful use of color as an active element for emotive depth.
- Inspired by philosophical concepts emphasizing intuition and organic growth.
- Dynamic compositions often ending intuitively rather than pre-planned.
- Focus on spatial exploration, balance, and visual rhythm.
Famous Artworks
Lines of Silence (1987)
Symmetry & sparse color.
Symmetry & sparse color.
Linear Symphony (1995)
Rhythmic alignment of straight lines.
Rhythmic alignment of straight lines.
Spectrum in Space (2001)
Vibrant interplay of lines & colors.
Vibrant interplay of lines & colors.
Beyond Boundaries (2007)
Fluid formations evoking imagination.
Fluid formations evoking imagination.
Symphony of Straight Lines (2009)
Featured in major solo show.
Featured in major solo show.
Space A to Z (2013)
Exploration of abstract space.
Exploration of abstract space.
Colors in Motion (2015)
Experimentation with gradient and movement.
Experimentation with gradient and movement.
Echoes of Form (2018)
Subtle interplay of symmetry and organic shapes.
Subtle interplay of symmetry and organic shapes.
Major Exhibitions
- India Art Fair, New Delhi – Booth No. 10, 2018
- National Exhibition of Art, Lalit Kala Akademi – 1996, 1998, 2005
- Retrospective Exhibition, AIFACS – 2016
- "Linear Explorations", Art Heritage, New Delhi – 2007
- "Lines of Vision", AIFACS Gallery – 2001
- Group Exhibitions across Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata – 1980s–2000s
- Solo Exhibition: "Abstract Rhythms", Delhi – 2012
Recognition & Contributions
- Renowned for pioneering linear abstraction in Indian contemporary art.
- Contributed essays on art philosophy and curatorial practices.
- Mentored emerging artists in abstract and minimal art forms.
- His work is part of private and institutional collections globally.
- Honored with awards for artistic excellence and curatorial contributions.
Website
Visit sksahni.com for more information and to view his artworks.
