February

Enlightenment Of Guru Nanak 1992 28 x 37.5cm (11 x 14.75in) Poster color, gouache and gold dust on paper Artist: Rabindra K.D. Kaur Singh

The Enlightenment of Guru Nanak Dev Ji draws on a theme found in early illustrated Janam Sakhis or life stories of Guru Nanak. In contrast to the relatively simplistic depictions of the Janam Sakhi theme found in early Sikh art, this work draws more on the Persian tradition of manuscript illustration to present a much more imaginative treatment and interpretation of the subject both in structure and content.

It’s not just showing a single moment in the Sakhi but the series of events that make up the whole story. So the key figure of Guru Nanak is shown in a narrative sequence, first bathing; then being taken up to the abode of God in the upper register of the composition and finally receiving the Nam or spiritual message.

Following the Janam Sakhi convention of integrating text and imagery, the actual script of the Sakhi itself is reproduced in the bottom border of the painting.

In representing Guru Nanak’s personal identity, the artists deliberately reverted back to traditional 19th century representations of Guru Nanak (most notably, retaining the Kashmiri topi or cap and patchwork shawl that is, elements of his visual identity which some Sikhs deem to be unacceptable distortions‚ of Sikh history because of their Muslim and Hindu associations).

In doing so, the painting references the ongoing debates surrounding changing attitudes to Sikh imagery and its relationship to the development of a distinct Sikh identity.

The angels (representing God’s messengers) are taken from the Persian tradition whilst the stylized clouds are borrowed from traditional Chinese art. The decorative treatment of the water and rocks is typical of Indian miniature painting, whereby form and contours are exaggerated to enhance the sense of movement in nature.

This episode marks the birth of Sikhism when Guru Nanak uttered his first sermon, “There is no Hindu and no Muslim,” laying the foundations for a faith rooted in the equality of all religions and people.