Krishen Khanna was born in 1925, Faisalabad. He is largely a self-taught artist who began studying art only after graduating from college, during evening classes held at the Mayo School of Art. His works alternate between narrative and formal concerns. 

His early works are reproductions of the scenes that were indelibly imprinted in his memory during Independence and partition. Bordering on the narrative, Khanna’s work captured moments in history. He transfers his observations onto the canvas with spontaneity and exuberance, keeping the representational elements of his subject matter intact. Khanna’s works that focus on musicians, are indicative of his personal interest in music and an attempt to capture its undulating rhythms in oil on canvas.

Recognising his immense contribution to Indian Art, the Government of India has bestowed several honours upon him including the Lalit Kala Ratna from the President of India in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 1990.