The artist Ravjot Singh Kapoor (Kapoor Saab) is interviewed by historian-Gurinder Singh Mann.
What got you interested in creating Sikhi Portraits?
I would say these are not merely Sikhi portraits but paintings about Indian spiritual history based on Gurbani and stories about Sikh gurus and saints. From Gurbani, one can gain a lot of knowledge. I feel all the timeless spiritual lessons and stories from across culture have been jotted down within Gurbani to learn from. These paintings are visual journals of the learnings I’ve been receiving while reading/listening to it.
The Little Warrior-A beautifully described scene of an interaction of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with his son Baba Jhujhar Singh while preparing him for the battlefield.
What is your inspiration in creating these works of Art?
I have always been a visual learner, and it is difficult for me to read anything without any visual support. I wanted to have some kind of visual guide for me to memorize whatever I have been feeling or learning while exploring life. Creating these paintings helped a lot, and I hope it helps sangat out there too.
How would you describe your style of art?
My art style blends traditional art with modern context and it comes quite natural to me. I am inspired by Mughal art / Indian art compositions and I use watercolors, graphite and gold as my primary medium, but it depends on the topic I am working on to be honest. I work on themes based on Indian culture and spiritual heritage taking inspiration from Gurbani, history and personal experiences.
Badshah Darwesh-depiction of Guru Gobind Singh holding a teer (arrow) and other weaponry. 2024
What response have you received about your work?
I am grateful and overwhelmed by the response I have been getting from the Sangat out there from social media platforms like Instagram(@kapoor_saab), and the exhibitions I have been participated in like Contemporary Sikh Art Exhibition (UK), Punjabi Art Collective 2.0 (USA) and Rahaao 2024 (Canada). I’ve been appreciated, advised, guided, sometimes discouraged but mostly encouraged to do more work I’ve been producing from some well known names in the industry and the audience. And with the blessings of the Sangat, more work will see the light of the day, Maharaj Kirpa karan.
Portraits exhibited at the Contemporary Sikh Art Exhibition 2024.
*Bhai Nand Lal Goya (watercolour heightened with gold)
*Patshahi 6: Guru Hargobind (watercolour heightened with gold)
*panch (watercolour on paper)
Close up: portrait of Bhai Nand Lal reciting from the Ganjnama
Any tips for up and coming artists or people wanting to take up art?
You should always stay true to your instincts and ideas. Do not let discouragement get the best of you. Just stay consistent with creating and sharing whatever you feel regularly. There is no such thing as ‘Bad Art’. There will be times when you will feel discouraged. But have faith in yourself and you’ll find your audience soon enough.
His forthcoming work includes a portrait on Sikh coins for the Mahalla 9 calendar 2025.
A full catalogue of his work can be seen on his website.
Artist Bio:
Ravjot Singh Kapoor is a contemporary Indian artist born in 1992 in Delhi, India. Currently based in Toronto, Canada, Kapoor received formal training in commercial art from the College of Art, New Delhi. His experience includes working with advertising agencies like FCB, Leo Burnett and GTB.
Kapoor has developed a unique artistic style that blends traditional art with modern context. His work is best known for its incorporation of Mughal art-inspired figurative, utilizing watercolour, gouache, graphite and gold. His art often explores themes of cultural heritage and spirituality, drawing inspiration from Gurbani, historical events and personal experiences. Through his paintings, he explores the complexities of identity, tradition, and human emotions, inviting viewers to contemplate and engage with these themes.
Kapoor’s work has been recently exhibited in a Contemporary Sikh art exhibition 2024 curated by the Sikh Museum Initiative, Leicester, United Kingdom and in Punjabi Art Collective 2024 at Berkley, California. His work has been acquired by several art collectors based in Europe, India and the USA. He also received an award from Padma Bhushan Ram V Sutar at the Miraki Group show in 2017.
For inquiries contact:
Ravjot Singh
Email: kapoorsaab@ravjotsingh.com
Website: www.ravjotsingh.com
Instagram: @Kapoor_saab