Discovering
Govind Kanhai
“When ideas convert into strokes, art is born.”
Welcome to the dazzling world of Govind Kanhai, a revered artist who rose above the mundane confines of the art world, shining like a resplendent beacon of unparalleled creativity and imagination.
His artwork serves as a universal language that transcends all barriers of age, ethnicity, and culture, captivating the hearts and minds of a diverse audience.
The Govind Kanhai art is distinguishable by the artist’s signature bold strokes and vivid colours that seize the viewers’ attention instantaneously. Embellished with intricate 24k Gold and precious stones, they are crafted with utmost care and precision, captivating art connoisseurs and paying homage to sacred traditions and divine interpretations.
With every stroke of his brush, he brings the playful, mischievous, and compassionate nature of Krishna to life. His paintings are a testament to his love and devotion to the Lord. Upon entering the world of Govind Kanhai’s art, one is transported to a serene and tranquil space, meticulously designed to stimulate the senses and awaken the spirit.
Having accomplished a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, Govind Kanhai’s outlook and worldview have undergone a significant transformation. Driven by a desire to articulate this transformative experience, he seeks to elucidate the new lens through which he perceives reality. This intellectual metamorphosis has also extended to his perception of the arts, as he has begun to approach an empty canvas and engage with artistic expression in a markedly distinct manner.
The Journey towards
excellence
Born in 1964 in Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna, Govind Kanhai is the son of Kanhai Chitrakar, a recipient of the Padma Shri award for his contributions to art by the President of India in 2000.
In the 1950s, Kanhai Chitrakar had revived the art of gold paintings which was on the verge of extinction. It was during the post-independence era, when gold paintings saw a sudden decline, that he developed a new technique for preserving gold. The new artform was widely acclaimed for, and soon ‘Kanhai Arts’ blossomed into being.
Govind’s childhood fascination with Lord Krishna and his tales translated into a passion for art. He honed his skills under the guidance of his father, Kanhai Chitrakar, and soon became a master himself while also inheriting his father’s ability to bring Lord Krishna’s divine form to life on the canvas.
For Govind, his father was the pillar of strength behind his success, serving as a mentor, an inspiration, and a driving force.
With a decades-old legacy, Kanhai Art is a name that resonates with passionate art aficionados and luxury.
Disseminating
ART
Govind Kanhai’s art is distinguished by its exceptional portrayal of expression, which stems from his deep spiritual enlightenment. His art is a testament to his profound understanding of the verses of the Bhagavad Gita, the Geet Govind, and the teachings of revered poets such as Rashkan and Surdas. Govind describes Raja Ravi Verma as one of the biggest inspirations of his life.
The Govind Kanhai art style is both abstract and figurative, blending traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. In addition to his expertise in painting divine expressions and the art of gold paintings, the revered artist is also adept in other art forms like contemporary, abstract, symbolism, folk and 3D. His skills are highly sought after, and his works are displayed in exhibitions all across the globe. His passion and dedication to his craft has earned him a place in the history of Indian Art.
Following in the footsteps of his father’s 65-year legacy, Kanhais’ has crafted portraits of several renowned high-profile figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and many others.
Kanhais’ have also made several artistic contributions to the Uttar Pradesh Government. The prolific artist also owns special art gallery in the Vidhan Sabha, Lucknow, showcasing life-sized portraits of all the Chief Ministers till date and of Assembly Speakers.
Govind Kanhai’s artworks have graced the walls of the homes of notable celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jayaprada, Amar Singh and Sanjay Dutt, as well as business tycoons like Ambani, Birla, Singhania and Chaturvedi.
Adding to the number of impressive feats, Govind Kanhai had even showcased his artworks in numerous cities worldwide, including London, Dubai, Houston, Mumbai, New Delhi, and beyond. His artistic passion of 42 years has earned him recognition and he was bestowed many awards like the Achiever of the Millennium(1999), UP Ratna Award (2006) and Yash Bharti Award (Govt. of UP, 2015).
I have been entrusted with the responsibility to depict the creator of the world through my art and visualization. While drawing him, I am completely immersed in a state of surrender. The strokes of my art are guided by the blessings of Krishna
- Govind Kanhai -
The Breadth of
VISION
The Kanhai Art pioneer envisions a mission to provide a platform for aspiring artists to flourish and pursue their aspirations through a Govind Kanhai School of Art. With this initiative, Govind Kanhai’s artistic knowledge, which he has garnered throughout his career, will be passed on as a legacy to the next generation of artists.
He has also planned a series of exhibitions to showcase his exquisite artworks on the global platform, inviting the rest of the world to bask in the splendour of the Kanhai paintings that boast a unique mix of traditional and modern art forms.
