Sikh Artists

During my 11 years in India I took quite a few pictures of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and other Sikh related things. I used to get people asking me all the time how they could order copies. I eventually decided to setup an easy way to make some of my photography available online to purchase, so that it didn’t take a lot of my time.

I started with a gallery of my photos but then the project grew. I realized that there were not many places you could see Sikh related art online. There did not seem to be a lot of support to artists who created Sikh art in this modern time (partly because of the stigma and association with idol worship). I decided that I wanted to help feature other Sikh artists and show their work; In hopes that it would encourage others who are artistic to use their creativity to make inspirational works of art.

Art is an expression and can be very beautiful and inspiring. We should encourage it and support those who are artistic. Art can come in many different forms (not just paintings/pictures). In the times of the Guru’s there many talented artisans. These days they seem scarce, or at least use that creative energy in other ways.

I get frustrated when I am in India and see some of the art in the Gurdwaras that is not treasured. In the Baba Attal Sahib Gurdwarain Amritsar (just next to the Golden Temple) there were some really beautiful old fresco paintings on the ceiling and walls of the first and second floor. I took pictures of them all years ago and in my recent visits I was sad to see how they had deteriorated. The paintings on the first floor were totally trashed (removed) and are no longer there. In there place are cheap white bath tiles with Khanda on them. Definitely 100’s of steps backwards artistically. There are still some paintings on the second floor, but they are in bad condition. Worse every visit I see them. What to be done? I guess we need to train the Gurdwara management to treasure and take care of this art. It’s our heritage and history.

If you are an artist and have modern Sikh related art (or know someone else who does) I would love to see some of it…and possibly have you as part of the SikhPhotos.com gallery.

If you want to look/purchase photo prints of Sikh Art/photos, visit the web gallery at: http://www.sikhphotos.com

Ps. Coming soon! Some new beautiful original oil paintings of the Golden Temple on canvas, based on some of my photography. The first one is pictured to the left. I’ll be selling the original 24"x36" inch oil painting and then a limited number of Giclée canvas prints (which will look almost identical). If you are interested contact me and I will let you know of the pricing and availability (probably at the beginning of Sept. when I get back from the UK).

Related posts:

  1. NEW! 2008 Sikh Calendars, Greeting Cards and More
  2. The Taboo of Sikh Art
  3. Custom Framed Sikh Art, Sikh Calendars and Cards
  4. Sikh Art and Culture Being Destroyed
  5. Original Artwork Based on Photos

10 Responses to “Sikh Artists”


  1. 1 a_fine_balance

    Veerji,

    I agree. We need to do a much better job promoting the arts. I think our community needs to stop pushing kids into medicine/law. We need to expand into fields such as film etc.

  2. 2 Jaspal

    We are buying a new home soon, so Mr GSK you shall be called upon when I start buying pictures. haha

  3. 3 SMKaur92

    I agree your pictures are fantastic! Keep up the great work.

  4. 4 BCSikhYouth

    Vaheguru ji ka khalsa,
    Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

    Fully agree with your post and the comments provided above.

    Sikh youth need to be encouraged to participate in writing, drawing, sketching, painting, and doing other artistic activities to express themselves and to help preserve Sikh cultural heritage.

    Thanks for the post.

    -sevadars
    BCSikhYouth.com
    the Sikh Youth of BC
    Sikhism | Youth Issues | Community | Events | Resources

  5. 5 rupinder pal singh gill

    hi gill hear .it is a nice to see all photos .$ lituratureok buy…………..

  6. 6 Pavan

    I am desperately looking for sikh paintings that are contemporary. i am an artist and have done a few sikh paintings - not the historical ones but still ife and modern ones showing sikh people in every day tasks like praying and posing etc.
    pl tell me if you know any such artist anywhere in the world. Would to see their work - even photographers most welcome - I am looking for inspiration on subject matter.
    Thanks
    Pavan

  7. 7 Manjit

    I am interested into any original relic, painting or any such item that relates to our Gurus or to our Sikh History.

    It would be a wonderful DEED on your part if you can create a seperate site or page to display all such relics.

    Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru ji Ki Fateh.

    Manjit

  8. 8 SK

    Hi Manjit

    You might find the content of this site useful if you seeking the information on wider sikh domains.

    Thansk

  9. 9 Gurjinder Singh Khurana

    Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa
    Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh

    Puer Sikh Kaum nu eh benti hai ji kirpa karke E.T.C Channel te Gubani de bad Nanga Naach Band Karwa deo
    Kyun eh bahut galat news ja rai we saarayan te
    kyun ki Amrit wele gurbani Wich te Sham nu Gurbani wich jeda wi add dende ne oh nanga naach honda.

    Eh guru Maharaj ji di Bedbi hai
    hor kise channel te nahi hai aisa
    oh chahe Astha or Qtv muslim channel

    kirpa karo sare

    benti suno

    papaer wich deo

  10. 10 neeru singh

    dear sir,
             I sincerely feel that somethng really needs to be done to save heritage of the gurudwaras.I have contemporary painting on gurbani.i could mail the picture if required
    Regards,
    Neiru

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