Antarang presents the fourth edition of the Spotlight series from September 3–10, 2026. The series offers critical exposure to young and unsung artists and expands the ecosystem beyond traditional institutional walls.
This edition features Jai Khanna, a contemporary artist whose practice is deeply rooted in the devotional traditions of Rajasthan. His artistic roots emerge from vivid dreams of Shrinathji during his school days - a small, intrusive sketch of the lord; he knew nothing of it except a figure from his dreams. This curiosity later became an obsession, leading him to create his own reimagining of the four-hundred-year-old Pichwai tradition.
To master this, he studied under two gurus from the Karauli and Nathdwara districts in Rajasthan. As he honed his skills across various media - from silk, board, and wood to Baarik Kalams - Khanna gained an immense understanding of the philosophical depth of his theme, including the teachings of Pushti Marg and the different forms of darshanas and shringaras. His solos, from Shrinathji Swaroopam to the Krishna-focused Sacred Forms, alongside recent museum shows at NMACC (Mumbai), have traced this inward journey beautifully. His work is currently on view at London's Saatchi Gallery.
The centrepiece of this exhibition is Khanna's dramatic masterpiece –
Prakriti Gopala
He held the mountain to shelter a world.
Jai Khanna's detailed depiction of Krishna and Govardhan Parvat, an immersive work capturing a moment of divine grace. Beyond the central feat, Khanna turns his focus to the mesmerised world of creatures surrounding the deity, from the majestic Garuda to serene cows and peacocks, all held spellbound in Krishna's presence. Where Govardhan Parvat stands as a timeless symbol of protection and sanctuary, the work highlights a glorious presentation of nature and all its elements coming together in the form of Prakriti Gopala.