Vandana Krishna
Contemporary Artist | Mumbai, India
Vandana Krishna is a self-taught contemporary artist whose practice is a vibrant dialogue between the rhythms of urban Indian life and the legacies of global modernism. Based in Mumbai, with roots spanning Delhi and Punjab, her work is shaped by a diverse cultural geography and an artistic practice she has cultivated since 2007, alongside a distinguished career in public leadership. A retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Vandana brings to her artistic practice a depth of observation, empathy, and lived experience.
Artistic Philosophy & Influence
Moving fluidly between cityscapes, figurative works, and semi-abstract compositions, Vandana’s visual language is informed by a wide-reaching lineage. She draws inspiration from the bold gestural mark-making of European modernists like Van Gogh, Monet and Matisse, while grounding her sensibilities in the contemplative depth of Indian masters such as M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza and Krishen Khanna.
Themes & Narrative
In her compositions, figures may exist as symbolic presences or literal representations—occupying the evocative space between realism and imagination. Her work distills the "extraordinary within the ordinary," transforming universal human experiences—waiting, stillness, anxiety, and quiet joy—into visual narratives of hope and introspection.
A recurring theme in Vandana's practice is her celebrated Mumbai series, which captures the city in the rains, where glistening streets, umbrellas, reflections, and fleeting moments of everyday life become poetic meditations on memory, movement, and belonging. For Vandana, abstraction represents the ultimate freedom, where rigid form gives way to emotional and spiritual resonance.
Commissions & Collections
Vandana was commissioned by UNICEF to create a signature work on the theme of Mother and Child, reflecting her ability to translate universal human values into compelling visual narratives. Her paintings are also part of collections displayed in government offices, including the Public Health, Irrigation, and Finance Departments at the Maharashtra State Secretariat. Through her work, Vandana invites viewers to pause, breathe, and discover moments of quiet reflection amidst the complexities of contemporary life.
The combination with umbrella and flying really gets me, as well as the common worker in some of the pieces, beautiful artwork.
~ Jonas Maciulis Nilsson
I was transported to Bombay for a while – could feel the sea breeze, the splashing rain, traffic. Laudable effort. So proud of you.
~ Kiran Dhawan
‘Mumbai’ from an artist’s lens. Exquisite paintings depicting the soul of the city and its quest for freedom. The paintings are a visual delight and treat for the soul.
~ Manisha Verma
Makes one ‘reflect’ on urban life one has led. The flamingoes in an urban scene is most unusual – as are so many other everyday scenes we normally bypass. We see but do not observe.
~ Robey Lal
‘Reflections’ is a unique exhibition. The artist has painted various scenarios entirely on the basis of her imagination. These paintings are fully relatable to our day to day living. My kudos and compliments to Vandana for these creative works.
~ K. N. Shrivastava
Absolutely marvelous and eye-catching – esp. ‘Old Harbour’ and ‘Together’. Vandana’s paintings are quite catchy, with her special style of rainy season and reflection of buildings. Wow!!
~ Ritu Jain
Can see the passion in the painter’s brush. Congratulations!
~ Ritu Kamath
Soothing art, wonderful visions. Will visit soon again!
~ Anushka & Sumeet