sikhpride

Every year, when the month of April is observed as Sikh heritage month in Brampton (Canada), a number of programmes are organized to praise the Sikhs and their services in different fields and the overall appreciation of the Sikh community brings to forefront many Sikhs with hidden talent and abilities. During the recent years, particularly in 2016, one such Sikh artist got recognition and high appreciation among all the people, particularly those who can appreciate the art of painting. This artist named as Kulwant Singh living in Brampton was born in Faridkot, Punjab on 31st December, 1968 in the house of S. Jugraj Singh Bhullar and Bibi Jasmer Kaur. He completed his education by obtaining dual Master’s degrees in Fine Arts (Punjab University, Chandigarh) as well as Art History with a gold medal from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He has a preference for portraits, although he has made other kinds of paintings also. The subject of his portraits include both historical figures and contemporaries. For example he has made the portrait of Baba Gurdit Singh, who chartered the Kama Gata Maru Ship in 1914 to Canada and at the same time he has portrayed modern times personalities like Punjabi singer Gurdas Mann and Peel Police Chief Gennifer Evans. About his portraits, he says “I want the eyes in the canvaes to talk with the audience,” said Singh. “When painting someone, I also make sure I capture their smile, kindness, humanitarian spirit and any other unique aspects of their life.” In some instances, Singh undertakes extensive research of the subject before dipping his brush. One of his more challenging pieces, which he said became a labour of love, was the life-size portrait of Maharaja (King) Dilip Singh. In fact he aims at sharing religious, social and cultural bonds with all generations. It is also his endeavour to create such paintings which elevate the viewers to a higher awareness of reality as to bring them closer to the eternal. His lofty spiritual thoughts and his creations have already brought him a good numbers of honours and awards which include ‘Best Artist award’ by Parvasi Media Group, Ontario, Canada presented by S. Milkha Singh in 2015. In 2013 Oak Creek Wisconsin honoured him by displaying his picture with his painting in their art gallery. In 2016, exhibition of his paintings in early June at Brampton also brought him considerable appreciations. Talking about his upcoming project, he says that it is ambitious both in scale and number as it will immortalize the images of all Canadian soldiers that have lost their lives in Afghanistan through individual oil on canvas pieces, with the intent of eventually gifting the entire collection to the Canadian government. Thus, his creations and his future plans both are so inspiring that he emerges as a role-model for all the lovers of art. We all must pray to God to bless him with ability to make all the more wonderful creations in the years to come so that the Sikhs in particular feel proud of his accomplishments.