Maya, the feminine energy that drives the universe is beautifully depicted in the vibrant paintings of renowned artist Kanan Khant. Her work is being exhibited at Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai.
Inspired by the Kalamkari folk art style of India, well-known artist Kanan Khant is showcasing her art at an exhibition called ‘Maya’ at the Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, from the 14th to the 20th of December, 2021. The artworks are a tribute to the forgotten Indian artisans, especially women. She has also created some special paintings inspired by the stories of Radha and Krishna, along with her much-appreciated Maya series.
The exhibition was visited by well-known actors like Tanmay Vekariya (Bagha boy of Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma serial), Sujata Mehta, Minal Patel, Arvind Vekariya, famous sexologist and art lover Dr. Prakash Kothari, director Latesh Shah, national award winning writer Varsha Adalja, famous author Geeta Manek, among others. The producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Aasitkumar Modi and Neela Modi along with music director, international santoor maestro and president of the Indo-US culture society Snehal Mazumdar visited the exhibition.
While Sujata Mehta expressed her best wishes to the artist, she also said that Jehangir was her favourite art gallery. Tanmay Vekaria said, "The work is fantastic, each painting shows how meticulously she has worked to create what she has. To exhibit at Jehangir is a massive achievement in itself."
While talking about the art, Dr. Prakash Kothari said, "Kanan's paintings emote, they come alive. You can see how she has taken care of everything in detail -- even the framing is so unique!"
Varsha Adalja added, "Kanan's exhibition 'Maya' has a spiritual side to it. I believe having a painting like this in any space would create reverbing positive vibrations, bringing in freshness."
Minal Patel and Arvind Vekariya complimented Kanan's choice of colours and style of kalamkari. Latesh Shah said that he was left speechless after looking at her work.
Eminent author Geeta Manek shared, "The paintings inspire you to embark on a journey within. They are a poem, a song, an emotion". Every painting has a beautiful thought behind it, whether it is about Radha getting splashed with Krisha's colours or the story of women empowerment in the Maya series."
Adding her comment, Khushali Dave, a young journalist and entrepreneur said, "There is a simplicity in these paintings that attract you to them. I feel rejuvenated with the vibes I am getting by looking at them."
“Through my artworks in the ‘Maya’ series, I am combining the elements of feminity, spirituality and mythology. I have also adapted the beautiful Kalamkari art form in my work. Most don’t know that years ago, the artists who travelled from village to village, used Kalamkari to tell their stories. I too am telling a story through my art,” artist Kanan said during the inaugural ceremony and adds, “I am very excited to exhibit at such a prestigious art gallery of Mumbai like Jehangir. I hope to express through my art even more as I am constantly learning, experimenting as a student of life.”
Kanan who has previously exhibited at the Nehru Centre, Worli and at the India Art Fair, is an alumnus of the famous Nirmal Niketan College in Mumbai, having done her education in commercial art. She has worked as an artist with a leading magazine in India. She has also worked as an art director at an ad agency and an animation film studio. Since 2015, Kanan is working as a full-time artist and has displayed her art at various exhibitions. In March next year, she is also exhibiting at World Art, Dubai. UAE. Her artworks have found a special place in the hearts and homes of art lovers, in India and abroad.