Balaji Ponna, born in 1980, is a contemporary Indian artist known for his highly detailed canvases and works on paper that employ clever imagery and text to address sociopolitical issues prevalent in Indian society, including themes of class, corruption, nation, and patriotism. He comes from a background of popular painting, having helped his father, who was a sign painter in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, an experience that continues to inform his artistic practice.

Balaji Ponna received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphics with a Gold Medal from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, and his Master of Fine Arts in Graphics from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan. He was the recipient of the H.R.D. National Scholarship for Young Artists (2004-05). He currently lives and works in Baroda, Gujarat.

The artist's practice is characterized by a crucial relationship between painted text-phrases and images. His text, composed in simple typography and often in two phrases, frames the meanings and subtext of the visual images without intervening in the picture format, staying on the surface by virtue of its flat, two-dimensional nature. Balaji Ponna uses various linguistic devices from popular paintings, influenced by Pop and Dada art, to create works that are simple and direct, employing images and texts that are part of people's collective thought so viewers can easily recognize and identify with his messages.

Balaji Ponna has held several solo exhibitions, including Looking is not Seeing at The Guild, Mumbai; Black Smoke at Bose Pacia, Kolkata (in collaboration with The Guild, Mumbai, 2009); and shows at Osmosis Gallery, Mumbai (2007). His work has been featured in numerous prestigious group exhibitions such as Contemporary Exoticism at Studio La Città, Verona; Art Celebrates 2010 curated by Rupika Chawla; Are We Like This Only? at Vadehra Art Gallery, Delhi; The July Show at The Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai (2008); In the Midst organized by Zamaana Arts at Tehresharan Gallery, New York (2007); and Chronicles of Unspoken at Travencore Art Gallery. His works have also been showcased at the France Print Biennial and Art Basel.