Yunus Khimani
Yunus Khimani is a distinguished Indian artist whose work traverses the boundaries between figuration and expression. Born and raised in India, he developed an early fascination with the human form and the emotional narratives it carries. His artistic journey has been shaped by rigorous academic training and decades of professional practice spanning painting, education, and museum curation.
"My work is an exploration of the human condition — each figure, each line, each gesture is a meditation on what it means to be alive, to feel, to fear, and to hope."
Khimani earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the prestigious Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (1981), one of India's most respected institutions for visual arts. This foundational training in the Baroda school tradition — known for its emphasis on figuration, narrative, and social commentary — deeply influenced his artistic vocabulary.
His paintings are characterized by intricate cross-hatching, bold earth tones of burnt sienna, deep crimson, and raw umber, layered over expansive canvases. The figures in his works seem to emerge from and dissolve into their surroundings, creating a powerful tension between presence and absence, solidity and fragility.
Beyond his studio practice, Khimani has made significant contributions to India's cultural landscape. He served as Director of the City Palace Museum, Jaipur from 2010 to 2018, overseeing one of India's most important heritage collections. He has also served as Dean and Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), Jaipur, shaping the next generation of visual artists and designers.
In 1996, he was awarded the Junior Fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India — a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the visual arts. His work has been exhibited extensively across India, with solo and group shows at prestigious galleries.
Education
1981
BFA, Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Professional Experience
2010–18
Director, City Palace Museum, Jaipur
Present
Dean & Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), Jaipur
Awards & Fellowships
1996
Junior Fellowship, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Solo Exhibitions
2025–26
"I FEAR........" — Solo Exhibition, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (30 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026)
