An Immeasurable Melody, Medicine for a Nightmare

For his first solo exhibition in Europe, Canadian artist Nep Sidhu presented a body of work embedded in Sikh metaphysics and histories to explore relationships between memory, memorial and the divine. At once personal yet also forged within a strong sense of community, the work was inspired by ancestral bonds and present-day resonances, bringing forward a sense of ritual, kinship and seva (selfless service).

Sidhu’s finely honed works incorporate a wide variety of media including tapestry, metal, earth and video. Sidhu merges his artistic practice with his musical interests and inspirations, including musician and composer Alice Coltrane. Running throughout is the idea of deep rhythms and a sense of both the spiritual and the earthly. While the works invite multiple perspectives and readings, at their core is a desire for healing and awakening; call and response.

Supported by Canada Council for the Arts and the High Commission of Canada in the UK and Henry Moore Foundation.

This short film, produced by Dr Diljeet Kaur Bhachu, brings together three Sikh women who each engage with femininities in Sikhi in their own work and in their own ways. Drawing on some of the key themes in Sidhu’s work, Diljeet asked each of these women to consider the role of femininities in Sikhi, to unpack the metaphysical teachings of Sikhi, and to explore what exhibitions like Nep’s can offer Sikh communities and wider society.

Dr Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh is the Chair of the Department and Crawford Family Professor in Religious Studies at Colby College (USA), and has written extensively on the topic of femininities and metaphysics in Sikhi, and expands in this film on Nep’s introduction to the concepts through the show.

Ravideep Kaur is a Coach and Consultant based in Dundee, Scotland. Ravideep work centres on pro-liberation and decolonisation. In the film, she discusses key issues such as women’s representation within Sikhi, both historically and in our communities today, looking at space for women in the gurdwara, histories of strong Sikh women, and the importance of intersectionality and supporting each other.

Nep’s work draws on both the historical and present day issues facing Sikh communities, which Ravideep also comments on.

Jasvir Kaur Rababan MBE is a Sikh musician and activist based in England. She founded Kaur Voices, the Sikh women’s ‘Me Too’ movement, and is vocally addressing gender-based issues within the UK’s Sikh communities. Jasvir is also a musician and music therapist, using Sikh devotional music in these capacities to connect with expression, healing and nurture.

Kirtan and the sounds of Sikhi are very present in Nep’s work, and represent a pathway towards embodied healing and experiencing transcendence.