1 December 2024/

EXPERIENCE THE FUSION OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY WITH VIRAJ KHANNA AT UNTITLED ART FAIR, MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA (USA)

Renowned artist-designer Viraj Khanna presents his latest unique collection of hand-embroidered cotton characters at I-Pop by Rajiv Menon Contemporary at the Untitled Art Fair, represented by Rajiv Menon Contemporary gallery, a Los Angeles-based gallery, at Miami Beach, Florida (USA) from December 4th to 8th, 2024.

I-Pop is a dual showcase featuring renowned Indian artists Viraj Khanna and Tarini Sethi, promising a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

“This time, I have experimented with new materials such as artificial leather, artificial leaves and grass as embroidery mediums. The idea is to explore the myriad possibilities of the medium and initiate a conversation about how we are represented by an ‘image’ in society,” says renowned artist Viraj Khanna, marking a subtle shift from his signature style. His narrative-driven approach beautifully captures life’s moments through intricate embroidery threads.

Embracing the theme “East Meets West,” Viraj Khanna’s figures blend desires and emotions, showcasing the dynamic interplay between India’s rich heritage and the contemporary global landscape. Using traditional Indian embroidery techniques, he crafts a youthful voice that speaks to the global encounter.

“Viraj’s creative use of embroidery techniques such as zardozi and ari infuses the aesthetics of India’s global consumer culture—defined by fashion and design—into a painterly form that merges realism and abstraction, reflecting the evolving identities in South Asia. Be ready to embark on a visual journey that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, guided by the deft hands of Viraj Khanna,” says the organizers of the Show.

RAJIV MENON CONTEMPORARY GALLERY

Rajiv Menon Contemporary is a vibrant new art gallery program that highlights perspectives from emerging regions and their diasporas. Founded by Rajiv Menon, the gallery focuses on artists with origins in South Asia, bringing their dynamic and innovative perspectives to the forefront of Los Angeles culture. Rajiv Menon, a producer and curator based in Los Angeles, earned his PhD from New York University, where he studied global media and visual culture.

“I-Pop challenges the distinction between “folk” and “popular,” focusing on embroidery and metalwork design as globally influential aesthetic practices. Artists Viraj Khanna and Tarini Sethi elevate this material culture to fine arts, creating a powerful pop aesthetic. I-Pop marks the rise of two major young talents from India, highlighting South Asia’s significance as a global aesthetic force,” remarks the organizers on the key role played in the cultural and artistic exchanges between India and the West.

Rajiv Menon Contemporary presents I-Pop, featuring Indian artists Tarini Sethi and Viraj Khanna, as they articulate an emerging pop aesthetic in India.

VIRAJ KHANNA: A RISING STAR IN CONTEMPORARY ART

Renowned artist-designer Viraj Khanna is set to captivate Miami audiences with his latest collection of hand-embroidered artworks, experimenting with materials like artificial leather, leaves and grass. Born in Kolkata in 1995, Viraj studied Business Administration at the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing his MFA at the Art Institute of Chicago. His works have been showcased in solo exhibitions at the LOFT, Gallery Art Exposure in Kolkata, Tao Art Gallery in Mumbai, and the India Art Fair 2023.