On Friday, November 18th, 2011 Sikhlens Art, Book and Film Festival will launch the 15th year publication of the Sikhpoint calendar. Each year the calendar
depicts fresh ideas representing the arts, history and heritage of the Sikh Tradition. The 2012 Sikhpoint Calendar is the first in a special “Going Global
Series” dedicated to a unique aspect of the Sikh community.
This 2012 calendar reflects the history of Sikhs in Canada through the eyes of international Sikh artists, The Singh Twins. Amrita and Rabindra were commissioned
by the Toronto Royal Ontario Museum to create special artwork which offers a snap shot of Sikh history in Canada. This piece titled Sikhs in Canada is depicted
on the December 2012 page of the calendar, and aspects from this commissioned piece of artwork are used on the subsequent months of the calendar.
The commissioned artwork contains some of the following representations:
- WW I Sikh Veteran Capt. Kesur Singh - one of the first Sikhs to visit Canada
- The Pacific Railway and Liner associated with early Canadian Sikh settlers
- The Rex Theater - symbolizing early prejudice faced by Sikhs in Canada
- A Sikh lumber mill and Pacific Railway workers
- The First Sikh RCMP
- The Mayo and Herb Doman lumber industry giants
- The Khalsa Diwan Society - promoter and supporter of Sikh heritage, faith and rights in Canada
- Canada’s Sikh pioneers (based on archival photographs) - including their first aviator
The Singh Twins are contemporary British artists of international standing, whose award-winning paintings have been acknowledged as a unique genre in British art.
They have initiated a new movement in the revival of the Indian miniature tradition within modern art practice. Their work is described as ‘Past Modern’, as opposed
to Post Modern. They engage important areas of critical debate, challenging existing stereotypes and redefining generally accepted, narrow perceptions of heritage
and identity in art and society.
Their unique art combines elements from western and eastern aesthetics, exploring cultural, social and political issues of global significance within a highly
decorative, often witty and symbolic style, which has universal appeal and transcends cultural barriers.
Find out more about The Singh Twins Amrita and Rabindra.
Join us on Friday, November 18th, 2011 to receive your complimentary copy of the 2012 calendar. The Singh Twins will be on hand to personally sign your copy.
