- 62
Balraj Khanna (b. 1940)
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description
- Balraj Khanna
- Trauma
- Signed and dated 'Khanna 72' lower left and signed, dated and inscribed 'Balraj Khanna/ Metz 1972' on reverse
- Oil on canvas
- 48 by 48 in. (122 by 122 cm)
Catalogue Note
Balraj Khanna worked as a correspondent during the India-Pakistan War of December 1971, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh. Upon his return to France (where he then lived) a few weeks later, he set about capturing on canvas the horrors of war as witnessed by him, culminating in one of his most important works, Birth of a Nation (now in the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi), in honor of Bangladesh.
Trauma 1972 was painted at the same time in the same mood. Dramatic and disturbing, the picture's imagery emanates a fearful awesomeness. But the presence of a yellow lily by the side of the lacerated figures suggests hope. This painting was first exhibited in New York at the Herbert Benevy Gallery in 1972.