Kanwar Singh's latest painting titled, "Stand on Guard for Thee" reflects on the role of Sikhs during World War I. Sikhs participated in most of the key battles of the Great War, whether in the trenches of France, or the deserts of Mesopotamia. This work represents a foray into the contemporary period of Sikh Military history for the artist. It is the first of four paintings dealing with the role of Sikh men and women of various nationalities who lived through this epic confrontation of Nations.
The artist drew inspiration from the emblematic story of Bukham Singh, a farm laborer living in Canada, who volunteered for Canadian Expeditionary Force in the spring of 1915.
Private Bukham Singh served with the 20the Canadian Infantry Battalion in the battle fields of Flanders during 1916. He was a genuine Canadian hero because not only did he serve, he was also wounded twice in two separate battles. Private Buckham Singh received treatment at a hospital run by one of Canada's most famous soldier poets, the Doctor Lt. Colonel Jogn McCrae. While recovering from his wounds in England, Private Bukham Singh contracted tuberculosis and spent his final days in a Kitchener Ontario military hospital, dying at age 25 in 1919. His grave in Kitchener Ontario is the only known World War One Sikh Canadian Soldier's grave in Canada. His family, living in a remote Punjabi village from Northern India where he embarked for Canada at age 14, knew nothing about his national service in the Great War. They just received a notice of his death some years later.
STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE
The title of the painting, taken from the Canadian National Anthem, reflects upon the willingness of Sikhs to fight against oppression throughout history. It is a testament to the spirit of Guru Gobind Singh, which forever emboldens the Khalsa to strive towards a greatness that surpasses humble beginnings.
In honour of the 100th Anniversary of Sikh involvement in World War One, Kanwar Singh will release a very Limited Edition run of only 100 Hand Signed Fine Art Giclee prints on Premium Canvas. Each Canvas will be accompanied with a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Stand on Guard for Thee represents a foray into the contemporary period of Sikh Military history. It is the first of four paintings dealing with the role of Sikh men and women in various nationalities who lived through this epic confrontation of Nations.
Visit www.artofpunjab.com to see this piece and other works by the artist.
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Artwork Created by Kanwar Singh www.artofpunjab.com
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RBC Mehfil Magazine Awards Kanwar Singh Dhillon awarded ‘Excellence in Arts’ at the first annual RBC Mehfil Magazine Awards for Excellence featuring keynote speaker Peter Mansbridge, honoured the accomplishments of outstanding individuals during an evening that surprised, entertained and, most importantly, inspired. Gurudwara Shaheed Garh Sahib Exhibition Kanwar Singh's work is currently being exhibited at the Gurudwara Shaheed Garh Sahib in Hamilton Ontario. The following painting are displayed: Canvas prints
Watercolour print
Poster print
Kanwar Singh's Masterpiece Sikhnet review Kanwar Singh's latest piece. "Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictating the Adi Granth to Bhai Gur Das Ji, which has moved me more deeply than any of its predecessors. Guru Ji sits on the Perkarma in a state of deep repose. The expression on his face is one of joy far beyond the physical plane. The pristine Darbar Sahib shines with the glow of the morning light, radiant in the sarovar behind him whilst Bhai Gur Das records the Shabd "Guru Dev Mata, Gur Dev Pita" on a scroll resting before him. The moment is transcendent. The trees, the birds and the sky itself are all enthralled and suspended in time as the sound of the Guru's Shabd fills the holy space. The magnificence, intimacy and deep sacredness of the moment is captured perfectly, far beyond words to express." Click here to read the full article by Guruka Singh (Sikhnet founder). Annual Gala of Sikh Art and Film Foundation The Sikh Art and Film Foundation celebrated its annual Gala on October 3rd, 2008 in New York City. A complete collection of Kanwar Singh Dhillon's work was on displayed, click here to see pictures from the prestigious event. Contribution to Sikhnet's New Website Sikhnet has launched a brand new version of their popular site and Kanwar has contributed a series of specially commissioned paintings that are being used as the main header for every page. It is an exiting opportunity for the artist to contribute to Sikhnet’s ongoing mission to connect the worldwide Sikh community and promoting Sikhism’s values and heritage. Brave New World in Art Read the Sikhchic article "Brave New World in Art" by Henna Singh on Kanwar Singh’s art and painting techniques. |