Sheeshe ‘ch thareṛ, or A Crack in the Mirror, is a collection of mixed-media art that highlights different elements of Sikh culture and demonstrates how they interact with one another across the diaspora and across time. Textiles and objects in the exhibit, opening Saturday, November 22 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV), offer a variety of perspectives for reflection.
Created by artists Simranpreet Anand and Conner Singh VanderBeek, who is also an ethnomusicologist, the exhibit is guest curated by Sajdeep Soomal. AGGV curator of contemporary art Toby Lawrence says that A Crack in the Mirror speaks to the idea of shifted perspectives.
“Specifically offering through the perspective of Sikh visual culture and material culture,” says Lawrence. “The exhibition offers a breadth of opportunity to really consider a number of different ways of thinking about the objects that are present, along with the narratives, the materials, and their histories.”
Together, the artists have placed an emphasis on how these aspects of Sikh culture have changed and how they have been forced to adapt to modern conditions. Historically, the fabrics on display would have been made from natural materials. But, contemporary economic forces have influenced a change in the makeup of sacred Sikh textiles from quality natural fibres to cheaper plastic ones.
“The artists are really looking at this tension between the historical production of these sacred materials, these rumala sahib, and how the material itself has shifted into a more synthetic, mass-produced material based on economic need,” says Lawrence.
Lawrence says the change from natural material to artificial plastic has impacted these practices and the life cycle of sacred Sikh fabrics.
“What happens with these materials that are given as offerings during sacred celebrations is that once they’ve reached their lifespan, they’re cremated, and the spirits are returned to that realm. But now that we’re seeing this shift into synthetic materials, that burning process really takes on a different tone, because we’re no longer burning natural fibres like cotton or silk,” she says. “In fact, it’s burning of a plastic or a petroleum-based product, so then that releases toxic fumes rather than sacred energies.”
Lawrence believes exhibits like this are useful to expand our creative selves and promote a space for learning and sharing.
“It provides us a space to think through things in ways that we may not have access to in our daily lives. It’s a place for both experimentation with materials, but also experimentation with ideas,” says Lawrence. “It’s also a place for risk. Some folks may not have the ability to take creative risks in their own lives, and so I think art provides us an avenue to experience and participate in that.”
The exhibit brings together various perspectives from Sikh and Punjabi cultural, religious, historical, and gender-based experiences. She hopes that together they can promote visitors to contemplate diversity and inclusivity.
“It also provides an amazing and creative point of reference to meet people and build new relationships,” says Lawrence. “I think when we do that, when we can come together through our differences, it helps build a more responsible and a more connected citizenship.”
A Crack in the Mirror
Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, April 12
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
aggv.ca