A Journey of Artistic Evolution and Innovation
Delhi-based contemporary artist Sher Singh, born in 1979, is one for innovative explorations of everyday life through art. The son of veteran artist Late Hoshiar Singh, he grew up immersed in art, learning basics from his father while developing a personal visual language that is his own.
He is a distinguished artist with a BFA and MFA from the prestigious Delhi College of Art, who has honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned artist Neeraj Goswami and other masterful mentors. Initially known for his captivating paintings featuring motifs of chess, among other objects of daily life, Sher’s work has evolved over time. His creative journey took a turn with his exploration of cylindrical shapes, drawing inspiration from the spiritual symbolism of the Shivling. One of his most notable works, Oxygenscape, emerged during the COVID-19. The work garnered attention through the PDAF’s Kalanand Grant in Mumbai, later being selected for national exhibitions at Lalit Kala Akademi. Over the years, Singh has evolved as a multidisciplinary artist, blending painting and sculpture to create thought-provoking works.
Oxygenscape
Oxygenscape, featuring cylindrical storytelling with scenes that reflect the hustle and bustle of city life is dynamic collage of urban existence. The painting showcases intricate details of urban life, blending architecture, transportation, and people in motion. The city, alive with activity, is contrasted with the absence of oxygen, a metaphor for various challenges faced by society, including the lack of basic resources, environmental stress, and the struggles of urban living. City keep changing but remain tied to the same fundamental challenges over time in the artwork, The imagery seems to weave a narrative about the continuous cycle of city life, where every day struggles, much like the battle for oxygen, go unnoticed in the constant rush of activities.
Tapestry of Benaras
Sher’s work also includes the ‘Tapestry of Benaras’, a stunning fibre sculpture that reflects his ability to merge traditional and contemporary elements in art. The 3D work stands depicts the city of Benaras, or Varanasi, that holds a timeless allure as one of the oldest cities in the world.
As one walks around the structure, new fragments of the narrative reveal themselves. The rounded surface the viewer to piece together the story in motion, much like navigating the winding alleys. “Seeing Benaras on a canvas is one thing,” Sher explains, “but experiencing it on a cylindrical form adds an entirely new dimension. It’s a fragmented yet cohesive narrative, much like the layers of the Benaras city itself.” This piece also marks Sher’s growing focus on detailing and form. Known for his earlier abstract works and the juxtaposition of alpha objects with repetitive smaller forms.
‘Tapestry of Benaras’ & ‘Oxygenescape’ represents an evolution in his practice. The intricate detailing and storytelling in these works nod to the traditions of miniature painting, a style Sher has recently begun to explore.His mastery, however, is not confined to painting alone, as his growing body of work includes dynamic sculptures, marking him as a versatile artist of today’s times.