Art
Permanent Gallery of Sikh Art Launched At Slough/UK Gurdwara
STEPHEN DELAHUNTY, et al
Slough, United Kingdom
A Sikh artist whose work is devoted to Sikh religion and history launched a permanent exhibition here on Saturday, November 4, 2017.
The exhibition brought together the work of renowned Canadian artist Kanwar Singh and art from young volunteers at the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara on Bath Road.
Kanwar Singh’s work depicts the spirit of iconic subjects and defining moments in the Sikh faith that he hopes will leave a lasting impression in the eyes of future generations.
He said: “My goal from the very start was to envision and spread awareness of the great Sikh historical narrative which offers each of us so much inspiration in our daily lives.”
Thousands of people queued inside the gurdwara for a chance to view the substantial collection of work.
A visit by Kanwar in the summer of 2016 became the catalyst for young volunteers at the gurdwara to initiate their youth community art project.
The project has since seen over 100 young budding artists try their hand at portraying history through various art forms.
Slough Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi added: “It’s an honour and a great achievement for the town to host this permanent exhibition of art.
“It has already inspired many young people and I must praise the excellent work of the gurdwara and its trustees.
“I think it will act as a magnet to attract young Sikhs into the arts and non-Sikhs to appreciate and learn about the different aspects of Sikh art, culture and history.
“Only by learning can we break down barriers.”
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The new permanent gallery will display Kanwar Singh’s ongoing work. It's a 7000 sq ft corporate space with an all-glass front fully visible from the main street, identified on the outside as “Art of Punjab”.
The opening night had an attendance of 3,000 - 4,000, with scores of batches of 80 each being allowed through the exhibit at a time, all within 3 hours.
The Gallery currently boasts a total of 35 of paintings by Kanwar Singh, which include 12 hitherto unreleased pieces which were created specifically for this space.
[Courtesy: Slough Express. Edited for sikhchic.com]
November 7, 2017