Artist Talks : Guest Artist, Prem Singh

Artists talks series, “Art from the heart”

With Guest Artist: Mr. Prem Singh 

Interview conducted with one of the well-known artists Mr. Prem Singh. We also have his paintings in our Pranjal arts collection. He was interviewed by Pranjulaa Singh to know about his passions, his challenges, and his journey to becoming a talented artist in today's competitive time. This interview has covered his work ethics and the way he has been impacted and progressed since the upcoming years.

P.S. When was the first moment you realized you wanted to be an artist? And how would you want to define your path in the art industry?

I was born in Patiala in the year 1943. I used to live in a small town with people of all castes and ethnicities. During my school days with a group of children, I use to play around a courtyard at the end of the street. Our entire childhood was spent there. As children, we used to gather around the courtyard to play a lot of games. All those games included drawing diagrams and images on the floor. Many people in my locality used to invariably ask me to draw images and happily, I used to do it. 

That's when my childhood friends believed in me and could see the inner artist reflecting in me. They believed I had a good talent to become a successful artist in the future. They encouraged me to do my best. The art culture was so lively back then. There were so many art fairs and art activities that we could participate in that have now become a heritage for us in today’s time. The period between August to December was the best time for artists to showcase their talents in various fairs and festivals of the city.

P.S. Do you believe that the value of painting has lessened today in comparison with the past times with so much usage of the mass media?

No, I don't think that way. Art was integrated into life. A lot of things have changed the outlook of art. According to me, I don't think that painting one or more pictures makes you an artist, in fact, art is a journey, one should have dedication, devotion, and a way to express themselves while creating unique artworks. Every artist has a different perception while creating artworks and that's the most powerful key of every artist. When I created my own paintings even I had different perceptions that's what made me who I am today and people around me favored and admired my paintings.

P.S. Were your parents supportive enough when you told them that you wanted to pursue your career in the arts industry? What obstacles did you have to face?

While I was in school my teachers and my mentors constantly motivated me to work harder and being one of the brilliant students I was sent to various art competitions still my parents refused to recognize the artistic talent in me. Later I joined Mahindra college in Patiala. In between an event happened which brought me closer to my destiny.

In 1947 during the partition of the country, a new state was created called Pepsu. My father was working for the Pepsu State. After 4 to 5 years the state merged with Punjab. My father was appointed to provide state services by the Punjab government. The state asked my father which department he would like to join in and work for, he selected to join the Arts department. Later on, he discussed about me and my art career with his co-workers. They guided him and so succeedingly I was admitted to Chandigarh Government College of art in 1962 that was the time the college got shifted from Chandigarh to Shimla. 

P.S. How was it going back to the government college as a principal after being around different parts of the world?

My life is divided between two phases. Phase one of mine is entirely devoted to teaching having an experience of 35 years but all these years I couldn’t paint as much as I wanted to because I was involved in teaching only. I did my job as honestly as possible for 35 years. So after I retired I felt the same feeling just like my first day at college. 

On the contrary to common experiences, in the second phase of my life, after I retired, I was the happiest man on the planet as if it was the life that I always wished to live for. After retirement, I could paint whenever I wanted to. All these years my wife supported me throughout. My family has always been my strength.

P.S. Once your exhibition was held at Jehangir art gallery so how was your experience and how did it help you in progressing further with your artwork?

Firstly I would be grateful and thankful to Pranjal Arts who sponsored my art show in bombay at Jehangir art gallery. Somehow at that time, my paintings did not have a good sale but through the exhibition, I came across so many senior artists. Publicity and visiting wise the exhibition was a hit. I was really happy that I received so much prosperity. Whenever I have got an opportunity to travel across other countries I have been so comfortable interacting with other artists and have gained a tremendous amount of experience as well. I have been to Mexico, Canada, and the United States, each and every place has helped me progress in my art journey. Diversity is a must for any artist. Whenever your painting is recognized nationally or internationally it reinforces the artist in you and gives you the strength to achieve your goals ahead.

P.S. What message would you wish to communicate to the next artist's youth?

An upcoming artist should see things that are happening around them. If one understands and sees things differently he or she can create and paint unique paintings. After seeing and translating to visuality, commitment is a must. To justify the commitment one needs competence in order to achieve competence every artist must believe in themselves and observe the surroundings in depth

ABOUT THE  “ART FROM THE HEART” SERIES:

Pranjal Arts walks down memory lane, connecting with Indian artists across the world. Through these conversations, we share a perspective into their journey, for the pleasure of new artists, art collectors, and/or anyone interested in art. We discuss their struggles, learnings and observe the changes in their art practice. We love knowing the artists closely on the candid conversation at a time in the “Art from the Heart” Artist Talks series.

Watch out for the full interview of Prem Singh. Do have a look at the below video.

About Prem Singh:

Prem Singh - right from his childhood, was exposed to the art of weaving, embroidery, toy-making, carpentry, clay-modeling, calligraphy, drawing, and painting. All this gave him an insight into the spirit of creativity in man. He was the Former Principal, Government College of Art, Chandigarh, and an Ex-Member, Advisory Committee, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Ex-Member, General Council, National Academy of Art, New Delhi as well as the Ex-Member, General Council, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala.

About Pranjal Arts:

Original, handmade, Indian folk and contemporary art, Pranjal Arts is a collection of 200 paintings made by 70 different artists from India. Pranjal Arts Blog covers art topics ranging from art education to art history to conversations with the artists about their journey. Read more blogs here: pranjalarts.com