19th Death Anniversary Observed with Deep Reverence at Lucknow Museum
Lucknow: The 19th death anniversary of the legendary artist Prof. Sukhveer Singhal, celebrated as one of the greatest custodians of Indian wash painting, was observed on Saturday at his art museum located in Kaiserbagh. The event drew eminent artists, historians, students, and researchers who gathered to pay heartfelt tribute to a man whose contributions continue to illuminate the world of Indian art.
Prof. Singhal, widely regarded as a master of traditional Indian wash technique, left behind an extraordinary artistic legacy that spans nearly a century. His preserved works—silk paintings, lacquer works, watercolours, wood, textile and leather works, sculpture, and his renowned wash compositions—continue to reflect the depth of Indian culture, spirituality, and aesthetics.
Screening of ‘The Dusk of Romance’ and Exhibition of Rare Works
The memorial ceremony featured a screening of the short film “The Dusk of Romance,” based on his life, philosophy, and artistic journey. The audience watched the film with visible emotion, followed by a tour of selected works that showcased his experimentation across diverse mediums—a testament to his multidimensional creativity and restless artistic curiosity.
Eminent Personalities Share Memories and Insights
The event was graced by senior artist Jai Krishna Agrawal, State Lalit Kala Akademi Chairman Dr. Sunil Vishwakarma, historian Dr. Ravi Bhatt, Kala Dīrgha editor Dr. Awadhesh Mishra, and curator-critic Bhupendra Asthana, among several other distinguished art scholars.
Jai Krishna Agrawal, recalling his long association with Prof. Singhal, said:
“He never compromised in art. He was extremely disciplined and a true experimentalist. His use of opaque pigments in wash painting was exceptional. It is unfortunate that despite his stature, adequate scholarly work has not been done on him.”
Dr. Awadhesh Mishra described him as a “sage of art”, saying —
“When we speak of Lucknow’s artistic tradition, wash painting and Singhal’s name are inseparable. His human figures overflow with emotion; the expressions on the faces are so vivid that they speak for themselves. He painted religious themes, Gandhi’s ideology, and documented his experiences through both paintings and writing.”
Curator Bhupendra Asthana added:
“To be born human is fortune; to be born an artist is a blessing. Singhal ji was one such blessed artist. His wash paintings—often featuring numerous figures—are unmatched. His watercolours remain fresh even today, with extraordinary brushwork and unimaginable colour blending.”
Life and Legacy of a Master Artist
Born on 14 July 1914 in Muzaffarnagar, Prof. Singhal was deeply drawn to art from childhood. A devoted patriot, he participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement before moving to Lucknow, where he studied at the Government School of Art and Crafts, Lucknow.
In 1938, he established ‘Kala Bharati’ in Prayagraj, a unique institution that offered classical music, dance, and visual arts on equal footing. Many prominent students were associated with him, including Indira Gandhi and V. P. Singh.
Under the guidance of Abanindranath Tagore and A. K. Haldar, he refined the Indian wash painting style based on classical Indian aesthetic theory (Rasa Siddhanta), which became his signature.
His celebrated painting “Thou Art Dust, to Dust Returnest” was included in the Royal Collection of King George V. In 1942, he designed Indira Gandhi’s wedding invitation, which won international acclaim.
Prof. Singhal devoted 12 years to researching his monumental three-volume work “Evolution of Art and Artist,” the first volume of which was released in 2025; the other two volumes are soon to follow. His book “Bharatiya Chitrakala Paddhati” remains one of the most authoritative documents on Indian art philosophy.
A scholar of classical music, yoga, naturopathy, and spirituality, Prof. Singhal passed away on 29 November 2006, but his artistic legacy continues to guide generations. In recognition of his contributions, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation named the road in front of his Kaiserbagh residence “Prof. Sukhveer Singhal Marg” in 2022.
A Day of Sentiment and Remembrance
The ceremony concluded with reflections by several admirers, including Rajendra Mishra, Dheeraj Yadav, Dr. Stuti Singhal, Priyam Chandra, and Ratnapriya, who described the event as a deeply emotional and unforgettable tribute to one of India’s finest artistic minds.
Prof. Sukhveer Singhal’s life and work remain a beacon for young artists, a bridge to India’s artistic heritage, and a reminder of the timeless beauty of traditional Indian wash painting.
