QM JOURNEY OF THE MIND, Kanwar Singh
18 Oct–9 Nov, 2025
Queens Museum
Conceived by arts organisation WSWF, and supported by Arts Council England, Journey of the Mind brings Sikh teachings and heritage to a contemporary context to spark conversations and encourage exchange. Going beyond racial and religious boundaries, this travelling exhibition aims to evoke a sense of curiosity about the internal journey of the mind and its positive effects on people’s lives. The exhibition features figurative drawings and digitally created paintings by Canadian artist Kanwar Singh and short films by British animator Christian Wood.
We live in difficult times. Struggling with constant pressure from a world where we are always connected through digital media but still suffer loneliness. Anxiously searching for peace, happiness and love from the external world. The impact of Covid-19 has also left its mark on mental health. On top of this, concern for the health of the planet and social injustice have left many feeling hopeless. This exhibition explores the texts of the Sikh teachers and how, through these, the journey to understand the mind begins. And how the mind battles against negative forces within, to find peace in troubled times through focused practice, community and selfless service. Digital paintings and handmade drawings by Canadian artist Kanwar Singh and short films by British animator Christian Wood illustrate the stories of those who had attained the highest spiritual levels, which gave them the clarity and foresight to see all as one.
ARTIST QUOTE: The paintings featured in Journey of the Mind are the creative output of twenty years spent exploring the history which shaped, inspired and instructed my community for over half a millennia. They tell the stories of the Sikh Gurus, who offered all people a path to live life with a profound understanding of the oneness of humanity by fostering a deep connection to Waheguru (the Creator), who resides within us all.
While each painting is part of a linear continuum helping to unfold a grand narrative, they were not painted in any chronological order. Every painting came to me instinctively at a time when I sought refuge in the story behind it: they touch upon themes of exploration, commitment, resilience, service, heroism, and much more. Each story found me at a point in my life when I was in need of the teachings behind it; as I worked on each painting, I reflected upon and sought to internalize that lesson.
Every image is laden with symbolism for emotions hard to put into words, colors which express both the weight of the internal struggle and hint at the path towards liberation. Whether I needed strength, inspiration or perspective, I found an example in the lives of the Gurus and those who resolutely followed the path they charted for humanity. This legacy was lived across the land of Punjab, shaping its people and their destiny so the expression of them on canvas became for me, the Art of Punjab.
Kanwar Singh, Artist
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Wednesday–Sunday: 12:00–17:00
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