Sobha Singh was a renowned Sikh artist of the 20th century. He was known for mastering realist art combining realism and portraying Indian elements of divinity, spirituality and folklore. We found a deep connection with Sikh history in his paintings. His famously known paintings are Sohni-Mahinwal, portraits of Sikh gurus, lord Rama, Jesus Christ etc. The above painting is titled as ‘Meditations of Guru Nanak’. We see Guru Nanak standing gracefully on charming ocean water. He appears totally calm and undisturbed. His right hand is elevated, pointing a single finger toward the heavens, emphasizing the core Sikh concept of Ik Onkar (the absolute Oneness of God).His left hand is extended outward with the palm open in a universal gesture of welcome, peace, and humility. There is a soft and circular halo behind his head that is showing his divine and spiritual attributes. Waves actively crash and foam at his waistline, highlighting the miracle of him walking effortlessly on the water's surface without sinking. In the background we see the mountainous shoreline that breaks the horizon under an overcast and moody sky that amplifies the dramatic scale of the environment. Sobha Singh was not in favour of painting human misery. Rather he focused on beautiful and divine elements of life. He used oil colour with wash technique in this painting. The central figure forms a solid, balanced triangle. This provides the composition with an immediate sense of divine stability amidst fluid, crashing ocean waves.The dominant use of bright golden-yellow (saffron) and pure white against a cool blue and gray backdrop creates a powerful focal contrast. The warm fabric stands out vividly against the cold, turbulent sea.
The above painting presents a brilliant example of visually showcasing the age old legacy, cultural and religious traditions of Sikhism through modern mediums of art.The painting above sums up the the whole Sikh philosophy and its level vastness in a beautiful picture of Guru Nanak, who is remembered as beginner of the Sikh tradition.
