The Sikh Network continued in its efforts to highlight the issues facing the UK Sikh community to the wider public through more creative and engaging events. This successful Art Exhibition was inspired by 365 days of Bapu Surat Singh’s hunger strike to release Sikh political prisoners who have already served their sentences took place at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick UK on 16th & 17th January 2016.
Around 40 pieces of artwork and 20 poems in Punjabi and English from artists and poets from around the world were showcased at the exhibition.
Eshmit Kaur, a spoken word artist performed her poem live titled ‘Jathedar Surat Singh Khalsa’. Other poets who visited the exhibition included Jasvir Kaur from Derby who contributed an incredible five poems and Hifzha Shaheen, a local journalist and writer. Video poems from Poetic Singh, James Ji, Ikjot Kaur and Pavandeep Kaur were very much appreciated by those who attended. Many other poets kindly contributed to the day including students Pawandeep Kaur, Simranjit Singh and Kav Singh from London. Manvir Kaur presented a beautiful poem in calligraphy.
A panel of artists including ‘Sumanjit Kaur Johal (SUM), Jasdeep Samra, Jyoti Dhanjal (J.S. Dhanjal Art), Prabhjot Singh (Prabolous), Harjinder Singh (Infamous Arts) and Rajinder Tattal (Pentacularartist) who all took part in a Q & A with the audience. They gave insights into the concept behind their art works, the challenges artists face and offered useful advice to emerging Sikh artists.
Taran Singh of Taran3D who exhibited a 20 cm tall 3D printed sculpture said, ‘We always see images of Bapu Surat Singh looking weak & frail, but through my art, I wanted to capture his spirit, his strength, his resilience and his determination.’
Malkit Singh, the President of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick who hosted the exhibition said, ‘It makes me feel very proud that the next generation have delivered the exhibition in such a professional, positive and new way. I commend all the artists and poets on their talent, hardwork and thank them for their efforts.’ Artists have put Bapu Surat Singh Ji Khalsa's struggle into a new context, the art reaches out and explains Bapu Ji's struggle without words.
Each artist has expressed their understanding of the struggle through beautiful pieces of art, this is proof that Bapu Surat Singh's hunger for freedom has touched people from all walks of life'.
Damanvir Kaur, close friend of Bapu Surat Singh’s family added, ‘Bapu Surat Singh has been told about the success of the exhibition and he thanked the UK Sikhs for their efforts. Art is an important tool which, if used correctly, can connect us to people of all communities. We may not understand the plight of Sikh political prisoners, or the pain that Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has endured over the past year, however, through art, we can understand what exactly it means to not eat for 365 days.’
The exhibition was also attended by Labour councillors, Preet Kaur Gill from Sandwell, Chaz Singh from Plymouth and Rupinderjit Kaur from Wolverhampton. The wife and children of Paramjeet Singh Saini, also attended to show their support, despite her husband, an Indian Citizen who was granted asylum in the UK 15 years ago, was arrested and still detained in Portugal since December and faces extradition to India.
Jas Singh of the Sikh Network said ‘We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to all the artists and poets who participated and exhibited their work in this exhibition. Although its been a challenge to pull this exhibition together and the team especially Manjit & Suki have done an excellent job. We felt duty bound to support and showcase such events as its our core objective within the Sikh Network to connect and collaborate with the diverse range of Sikh professional talent in the UK. We all feel a connection to our faith and can express this in many forms. This exhibition has allowed many who may not regularly follow Sikh affairs to connect to this humanitarian cause with such passion & creativity, for which we are thankful.’
