Threads of Resilience: Gurjeet Singh on Art, Identity, and Healing

Chandigarh-based artist Gurjeet Singh (b. 1994) has captivated audiences with his whimsical yet thought-provoking soft sculptures that explore themes of identity, resilience, and societal pressure. Best known for creating fantastical three-dimensional forms from richly textured and vividly coloured fabrics, Singh draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of sources, including intimate conversations, online interactions, and his own experiences as a queer artist navigating societal norms. His works bridge the deeply personal and the universal, inviting audiences into a world of layered narratives, wit, and melancholia.

Singh’s ongoing exhibition, To Kill a Bully with Kindness, at Chemould CoLab in Mumbai, marks a significant evolution in his practice. The show confronts the enduring wounds inflicted by bullying, abuse, and societal rejection, while offering pathways towards healing and empowerment. Juxtaposing Singh’s signature soft sculptures with monochromatic gouache drawings, the exhibition showcases his meticulous use of recycled fabrics and layered materials as a metaphor for resilience and repair. Infused with deeply personal and collective memories, his works challenge viewers to reflect on their own vulnerabilities and prejudices while celebrating strength in imperfection.

With accolades such as the INLAKS Fine Art Award and a gold medal in both his BFA and MFA, Singh’s career trajectory underscores his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries. To Kill a Bully with Kindness not only highlights his ability to transform raw emotions into compelling art but also reinforces his role as a storyteller and advocate for marginalised voices.

In the following interview, Gurjeet Singh delves into the inspirations and processes behind his practice, offering insights into his unique use of materials, the stories that drive his art, and the messages embedded in his ongoing show, To Kill a Bully with Kindness. Through Singh’s reflections, readers gain a deeper understanding of how art can challenge societal norms, celebrate imperfections, and foster healing amidst adversity.

Serenade Team: Your current exhibition at Chemould CoLab explores resilience in the face of abuse and societal pressure. Could you walk us through the inspiration behind the title To Kill a Bully with Kindness?

Gurjeet Singh: When discussing the title for this show, I wanted to evoke intrigue and a sense of connection, drawing people in through shared experiences. The title needed to reflect my personal thoughts and experiences while holding enough power to unify the show. I believe a strong title can instantly communicate the essence of the themes and emotions within my work. Many visitors were drawn to the exhibition solely because of the title, often bringing their children along, as they found it relatable. My goal was to create a safe space where people could share their experiences and find solace in vulnerability.

ST: The use of recycled fabrics and layered textures is central to your work. How do these materials help convey the emotional and narrative depth of the stories you aim to tell?

GS: Fabrics allow me to articulate experiences I cannot express in words, transforming visuals and metaphors into narratives. The materials I use are often scraps, defective, or discarded as ‘unbeautiful.’ This mirrors society’s treatment of individuals who don’t conform to its norms. Through stitching and layering, I weave stories of resilience, healing, and protection. The inherent imperfections and histories of these fabrics add depth to my work. I am particularly pleased that sustainability is an integral layer of my practice, as we often neglect the environment. My forthcoming work focuses more deeply on environmental themes, which excites me greatly.

ST: Your soft sculptures often combine vulnerability and defiance. What do you hope viewers feel or take away when they encounter these works?

GS: I enjoy engaging with viewers about my work, discussing its layers and their interpretations. I firmly believe that art connects people through shared experiences, allowing each viewer to see the piece through their unique lens. If a work resonates deeply, it becomes a lasting, personal memory. My choice of materials—whether needles, broken beads, or discarded fabrics—helps provoke reflection and emotional engagement. My hope is that viewers connect with my work, prompting them to think and introspect.

ST: The juxtaposition of monochromatic gouache drawings with your colourful sculptures creates a striking dynamic. How do these two mediums complement each other in expressing your themes?

GS: Every medium offers distinct possibilities. While drawing allows me to explore immediacy and urgency, sculpture provides a more layered and tactile storytelling medium. My gouache drawings use brushstrokes to convey emotion, while the layered wasli paper symbolises strength. The materials in my sculptures bring their own histories, enriching the narrative. Interestingly, the eyes in my drawings look in different directions, as if engaging in dialogue. This interplay mirrors the conversations we share in real life. When the two mediums are displayed together, it feels as though they complete and communicate with each other, creating a magical and safe space.

ST: Your work is heavily inspired by conversations, both online and offline. How do you decide which narratives to translate into your art?

GS: My creative process is organic. I begin with stories in mind and follow my instincts. I do not plan my work rigidly but allow materials to guide me. Their patterns, lengths, and constraints often dictate the stories I tell. Some elements remain in the studio, later evolving into performances or new works. This flexibility enables me to explore and reinterpret narratives in unexpected ways.

ST: Identity, love, and loss are recurring themes in your work, particularly in the context of LGBTQ stories. How has your own journey shaped your artistic voice?

GS: Life experiences often leave us unsure of how to process them. For me, art became a powerful tool for expression, allowing me to reclaim agency over my journey. My work challenges preconceived notions, particularly gender norms. Interestingly, many viewers initially assumed my pieces were created by a female artist, which sparked conversations around these assumptions. Transforming personal struggles into art has been an empowering experience, helping me challenge societal constructs and share my story.

ST: You’ve mentioned early influences such as your sisters’ sewing and Sikh miniatures. How have these roots evolved in your practice, particularly in relation to storytelling through fabric and form?

GS: My upbringing was steeped in storytelling. My father brought home newspaper clippings of Sikh miniatures, while my sisters were always sewing, painting, or embroidering. Growing up with six siblings, our family shared riddles, folk tales, and oral histories, whether at home or while visiting gurudwaras. These narratives have profoundly shaped my practice, influencing my approach to storytelling through fabric and form. Each fabric I work with presents new challenges and possibilities, keeping me excited and motivated.

ST: Your work deals with heavy themes like bullying, societal pressures, and trauma. In what ways do you see art as a tool for healing, both for yourself and for your audience?

GS: I believe that conversations and sharing bring healing. Art has allowed me to face harsh truths, loosening the emotional knots within and empowering me to address them. When I bring these themes into my work, it gives me a voice to confront them openly, without the need to conceal anything. This process is incredibly liberating, and I hope it provides a similar sense of catharsis to my audience.

ST: Through residencies, awards, and grants, you’ve had a diverse career trajectory. How have these experiences shaped your approach to creating art and engaging with different audiences?

GS: Residencies and grants provide invaluable platforms for growth, offering both encouragement and constructive criticism. These experiences have allowed me to interact with like-minded individuals and established professionals, broadening my perspective on life and art. Conversations during these opportunities have deepened my understanding of my own work, offering a holistic view of my practice. I am immensely grateful for these opportunities and look forward to future engagements that will further challenge and inspire me.