Viraj Khanna Reflects on Digital Dependence and Its Influence on Art in Latest Exhibit

In today’s fast-paced world, technology often dominates our daily lives, shaping the way we work, interact, and even express ourselves. Viraj Khanna, a visual artist and the son of renowned fashion designer Anamika Khanna, delves deeply into the effects of this digital reliance in his artwork. Khanna recently opened up about his “accidental” journey as an artist, the impact of technology on contemporary art, and how our increasing screen time has shaped his artistic identity.

Khanna, who comes from a family known for creative excellence, has established himself as a multi-disciplinary artist. His transition into the art world wasn’t a planned career path but rather a natural evolution that began during the pandemic. The shift from fashion business to visual arts was both spontaneous and introspective, allowing him to explore identity, societal issues, and the evolving role of technology in our lives.

“My average screen time is seven hours,” Khanna shared during an interview, reflecting on the deep influence technology has had on his work and personal life. He admits that, while he finds this number absurd, it speaks volumes about the digital dependence that has come to define modern living. Khanna’s confession reflects the larger cultural shift, where excessive screen time, social media interactions, and the constant flow of information impact our mental and emotional states.

His recent exhibition, BRAIN ROT: The Life You Live?, captures this ongoing conversation about the psychological effects of our reliance on technology. Through sculptures, embroidered collages, and other visual elements, Khanna delivers a thought-provoking commentary on the nuances of digital dependence. Each piece is carefully crafted to evoke questions about how technology impacts not only the way we live but also how we view ourselves and our society. In his work, Khanna explores themes such as identity, alienation, and the overwhelming nature of digital connectivity. His art captures both the beauty and the chaos that the digital world brings into our personal and collective experiences.

Khanna’s upbringing in a creatively charged environment shaped his perspective on art and its ability to reflect and challenge societal norms. His mother, Anamika Khanna, is one of India’s most iconic fashion designers, and her influence helped nurture his artistic sensibility. However, Viraj’s path diverged from fashion, steering him towards a more introspective, conceptual exploration of the world around him. He credits this shift to the time spent during the lockdown when he had the opportunity to reflect deeply on life and his place within it. It was during these moments of solitude and contemplation that his passion for visual art grew, and what started as a casual creative pursuit evolved into a serious artistic endeavor.

Khanna’s pieces, often filled with symbolism, are a reflection of his experiences and observations about how technology plays a role in shaping societal behavior. His artworks speak not only to his generation but also to the broader human experience. He sees the digital world as something that, while offering connectivity, also traps people in a cycle of superficiality and detachment. The repetitive nature of scrolling, engaging in virtual interactions, and consuming endless streams of content, he believes, prevents us from connecting with the world around us in meaningful ways.

The process of creating has allowed Khanna to reconcile his experiences with contemporary life. “As an artist, my goal is to shed light on the ways technology has shaped the way we think and behave. My pieces ask questions but don’t necessarily provide answers,” he said. His work is designed to spark reflection, encouraging the viewer to examine their own relationship with technology and its impact on their identity and mental health.

Khanna’s art is not only about critiquing digital dependence but also finding beauty and meaning in a rapidly changing world. His ability to blend traditional techniques with modern-day concerns reflects the intersection of tradition and innovation, a theme that runs through much of his work. His approach to art—one that values introspection and dialogue—challenges conventional notions of creativity and encourages a deeper understanding of how we live today.

As technology continues to evolve, Khanna’s art provides a timely reflection of our increasingly digital lives. While the impact of technology on mental health and personal well-being is a well-known issue, Khanna’s work takes a deeper dive into the emotional and psychological consequences of living in a hyper-connected world. His exploration of these themes is both personal and universal, making his art relatable to a wide range of audiences.

Khanna’s choice of mediums, such as embroidered collages and sculptures, allows him to incorporate elements of tradition into his work while tackling contemporary issues. The fusion of these two aspects creates a unique aesthetic that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. His approach to art is a testament to the power of creativity in addressing complex, modern-day challenges. By using traditional techniques to tell stories of digital alienation, Khanna highlights the tension between old-world craftsmanship and the fast-paced digital age we live in.

Through his exhibition BRAIN ROT, Khanna has created a space for dialogue about the psychological effects of our digital engagement. His works serve as an invitation for viewers to pause and reflect on their own interactions with technology. In this sense, his art is not merely about observation but about sparking change in the way we relate to the digital world. It encourages viewers to step back from the virtual landscape and focus on the present moment, connecting with themselves and the people around them in a more authentic way.

Khanna also emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between technology and creativity. For him, technology can be both a tool and a hindrance. While it provides a platform for creativity, it can also prevent people from fully engaging with the world. His art encourages a healthier relationship with technology, one where its potential is harnessed for positive change rather than allowing it to overwhelm and control our lives.

As his journey unfolds, Khanna continues to challenge himself as an artist and as a person. His artistic evolution is not just a career trajectory but a personal exploration of identity, social behavior, and the role of technology in our lives. Each piece he creates is a part of a larger conversation about our world, and through his work, Khanna hopes to inspire a more mindful and balanced approach to digital engagement, reminding us of the value of self-awareness and connection in an increasingly fragmented world.