Lahore (Qasim Ali)
Prominent Punjabi artist Sobha Singh, renowned for his evergreen creative works including the painting of punjabi folklore characters “Sohni-Mahiwal”, “Heer Ranjha “,”Sassi Punnu”, etc was remembered in Lahore. In an exclusive literary evening held at Thaap secretariat, speakers shed light on versatile artist’s rich artistic legacy, including paintings, sculptures, and poetry, as well.
Professor Dr Sajida Haider Vandal former principal National College of Arts while recalling the Sobha Singh’s association with Lahore shared that Sobha Singh stayed at Lahore from 1926 to 1931 and then 1944 to 1947.His studio Eco School of Art was situated on Brandreth road adjoining railway station, later he shifted to Anarkali Bazar. Sobha Singh’s works in Lahore include Baba Sheikh Farid, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, Mata ji with Sahibzade, Neotian Di Oat Guru Amar Das Ji, Pehli Udasi, The Window, Mirza Sahiban and Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib de Vachitar Kautak etc. These were published as posters from Premtone Press.
During the evening, “Sobha Singh Artist: Life and Legacy” a book authored by artist’s grandson Dr Hirday Paul Singh, highlighting the life journey of legend artists, was also launched. Based on information available in the artist’s diaries, the book is divided into two parts. The first part takes an in-depth look at his childhood, his struggle, and awakening. The search of a wider canvas took him to Amritsar and Delhi, where his famous “Sohni-Mahiwal” was painted taking him to great artistic heights. Part two of the book looks at Sobha Singh’s major paintings and other creative endeavors, including sculptures and poetry.
Speakers revealed that Sobha Singh, a celebrated artist, philosopher, scholar, was not in favour of painting human misery and suffering. He felt that an artist should paint only beautiful things even at the risk of being rejected. Sobha Singh left behind a rich creative legacy that still inspires aspiring artists, historians, and punjabi diaspora around the globe. Sobha Singh breathed his last on August 22nd 1986 in Chandigarh, his works are a source of inspiration and epitome of Punjabi culture and history.His art gallery and museum is situated in Andretta in Indian hill state Himachal Pradesh and visited by thousands of art lovers and tourists from all over the world.
Professor Dr Sajida Haider Vandal also presented the copy of the book to distinguished research scholar Dr. Kanwal Khalid for research work. Another copy will be presented to the library of Oriental College Punjab University to be used as a reference book by the students for their thesis and projects.These books were exclusively sent by notable Canadian Punjabi Scholar Sardar Jaiteg Singh Anant from Hardarshan memorial international trust Canada, who is actively involved in preserving the history of Punjab and working as a bridge to bring the literacy circles of both sides of the Punjab together.
