By Balbir Singh
INDIANAPOLIS: The Opening Reception of the inaugural "KP Singh in Color" Exhibit on Friday, at the Indianapolis Art Center’s Ruth Lilly Library was attended by a multi-generational and multicultural crowd of over 200 art patrons and friends, artists, media personnel, writers, and musicians; business, faith, and community leaders, many of them contribute immeasurably to the culture and international spirit of Indiana.
World renowned Indian-born Kanwal Prakash Singh welcomed all of them and they were all special, each in their own way. "We were especially grateful for the presence of Honorable Diego Morales, Special Assistant to Indiana Governor Mike Pence; Jane Gehlhausen, Director of Cultural and International Affairs in the office of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard; Charlie Wiles, Director of Center for Interfaith Cooperation; Julia Moore, Director of Public Art in the Indianapolis Arts Council; Jennifer Pace Robinson, Vice President of Exhibits and Family Education at the Children's
Museum of Indianapolis; Maninder Singh Walia, President of the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis; Rupal Thanawala, President of Asian American Alliance; Rev. Dr. Richard Hamilton, a distinguished spiritual leader; John Mallon, Owner and Founder of Editions Limited, the most prestigious art gallery in Indiana; Patrick Flaherty, President of the Indianapolis Art Center, " said Mr Singh.
The last night's opening reception became a celebration of the arts -with the KP Singh drawings and prints of landmarks from around the world, fabulous harp music by Jennifer Midkiff, food, photographers, writers, other Art Center exhibits, dedicated patrons and passionate art advocates
that enjoy and make the arts an important part of community fabric and spirit and a major national priority.
KP Singh presented a series of his pen and ink drawings, pencil drawings, and prints of historic landmarks in Indianapolis and beyond. Mr Singh’s art and words are constant reminders of the collective heritage of human civilization. His passion and commitment to preservation is a celebration of Indiana’s unique and outstanding architectural, artistic and cultural treasures.
His works on display are Cathedrals of Spirit, Golden Temple, Amritsar (India), Monument Circle, Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis, Old Chicago Water Tower, San Giorgio Maggioe, Venice, Italy, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, Indiana-- a State in History (Centre image), Indianapolis - a city of history (Centre Stage), Taj Mahal, India, Sainte Chappelle, Paris, Allen County Courthouse 1897, Fort Wayne, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital, Statue of Liberty, Golden Temple Commemorative, The Duomo, Como, Italy, University of Notre Dame II, Belur Temple, India, Khujaraho Temple. India, View of Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis, Administrative Building University of Notre Dame, Indiana Historic Architecture I, Marion College II, Greater Lafaytte, Indiana, Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio, Mountain Circle II, Tippecanoe Courthouse1885 and the Hilton at Monument Circle, Indiana.
His works are hand-colored lithograph, original pen and ink, hand-colored silkscreen and chrome over brace etching.
KP Singh describes an artist "a visionary, a sensitive soul, an educator and a teacher about matters of spirit; a student of life, nature and society. An innovator, trendsetter, trailblazer, dreamer, and a daring , member of the human family.
"My art is a prayer and inspiration, an advocacy and invitation to the viewer to learn more about the rich heritage that surrounds us, be it a distant land, or in an unfamiliar culture. I see all great architectural landmarks and major heritage sites as our collective heritage, a cherished treasure that introduces us to the history and spirit of our civilization, " said Mr KP Singh who is a frequent guest speaker and participant in community, culture and interfaith events are celebrations.
Mr Singh made Indianapolis his home in 1967 after arriving in USA in 1965 for higher studies. He was educated in India (BA from Panjab University, Chandigarh; Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Technology in Regional Planning from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur) and the
KP Singh has long been active in the Indianapolis art community and with the Indianapolis Art Center: He has participated in every Broad Ripple Art Fair since it started in 1971. Mr Singh has exhibited in the following regional and state shows: ‘Round the Fountain Art Fair; Broad Ripple Art Fair; Celebration of Arts Exhibit at the Jewish Community Center; Gold Coast Art Fair-Chicago, IL; Hoosier Salon; Indiana State Fair; Indianapolis 500 Art; Invitational Indiana Artists Show at the Indiana State Museum; Penrod Art Fair; Talbot Street Art Fair; Three Rivers Festival of the Arts; Tippecanoe Regional Exhibit; Wabash Valley Regional; Whitewater Valley Regional; Smithsonian Sikh Heritage Gallery. Singh has been a guest speaker to many clubs, organizations, radio, and television talk shows. Recent awards include the Spirit of Baisakhi Award from The Sikh Community of Los Angeles in 2011, a Hoosier Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2014.
"KP Singh in Color" selected prints and drawings are available for purchase to the public. The exhibition will continue till November 21.