September

Guru Nanak Ji emphasised the equal importance of and interrelationship between the temporal and spiritual aspects of human existence - known in Sikhism as 'Miri' and 'Piri'. For instance he taught that acts of charity and selfless-service to others ('Sewa') were not only essential for the material needs and welfare of society but were forms of worship that offered a path to spiritual elevation. In that same spirit of love and service to humanity he activity challenged and spoke out against the social inequalities, tyranny, and the religious intolerance and hypocrisy of his times.

A commitment to the dual responsibilities of 'Miri' and 'Piri' is something that people from all walks of life have the potential to develop, each in their own way. Within our own profession for example, its been proven how the arts play a significant role in the spiritual, material and physical well being of individuals and communities. Participation in the arts can help promote positive mental and physical health, social inclusion and community cohesion.

The stories, concepts, messages, and observations of the world expressed through theatre, dance, film, literature, visual arts, music and architecture have the ability to inspire positive action and thinking and to evoke emotions that are spiritually and morally uplifting. The use and donation of art for charitable causes, the notion of art activism, and the traditional role of artists as upholders of social and political conscience, are well established in society. Our father firmly believed in the function, purpose and power of art to critique politics and society, to provoke debate, to influence opinion and to transform lives.

He emboldened us to create some of our most political works such as the one depicted here which explores historical narratives of enslavement and exploitation connected to the story of western colonialism and, in particular, India's impoverishment under British rule. Titled, 'Imperialism', this artwork is from a 17-meter-long mural ('Riches to Rags and Rags to Riches') commissioned for Manchester Museums new South Asia Gallery which opened in February 2023. It is part of our most recent body of work - the 'Slaves of Fashion' series.

Amongst other things this series explores hidden stories about the darker side of empire which question the nostalgic visions of colonialism (as a glorious, benevolent and extinct chapter in history) that persist today; challenges the colonial mindsets of western entitlement and superiority which continue to underpin racists attitudes and institutional cultural prejudice in our modern times; and highlights how unethical trade practices associated with our colonial past, and the politics of imperialism continue today. Our father took an active interest in the making of these works.

He became our sounding board and spent hours browsing the internet for any books, blogs, and other sources of potential inspiration which he felt might be of interest to us, such as Shashi Tharoor's online interviews and publication 'Inglorious Empire' - both of which were invaluable to our research. D A Y S O F O B S E R VA N C E S