Biography & Education
Born: 1943, India
Education & Career: Former Principal of the College of Art, Chandigarh; Member of Advisory Committee, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi
Prem Singh is one of India’s senior-most contemporary artists, celebrated for his lyrical, nature-inspired works. His artistic journey has been equally marked by practice and pedagogy, with significant contributions to art institutions and artist development across the country. His works are housed in major collections such as NGMA, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lalit Kala Akademi, and international museums in Europe and North America. Singh’s art is rooted in spiritual contemplation, often reflecting the subtle rhythms of nature and transcendence in everyday life.
Artistic Style & Approach
Singh’s art is meditative and poetic, blending line, form, and color as a metaphorical language to capture silent transformations. His paintings evoke the rhythm of birdsong, the glow of light, and the stillness of nature, reflecting both emotional depth and spiritual resonance. He describes his process as a “silent activity,” blossoming inwardly like a plant—quiet, persistent, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Notable Works
- Fiery Soul – A bold depiction of inner strength and transformation.
- Illuminated Presence-1 – A radiant interplay of space and spiritual awareness.
- All That Shines – A lyrical exploration of surface, light, and perception.
- Celestial Delights – An abstract celebration of cosmic rhythm and silent joy.
Exhibitions
- Asian Art Biennale, Dhaka – 1989 & 2004
- Eighth Triennale India, New Delhi – 1994
- Five Artists from the Punjab, Rawley House Museum, UK – 1997
- India-Korea Contemporary Art Exhibition, Seoul – 2008
- Solo Exhibition at Taj Art Gallery, Bombay – 1987
- National Exhibition of Art, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
- Swaran Rekha – Triennale and National Awardees Show, LKA – 2004
- Artists Alert, SAHMAT, New Delhi – 1989
Awards & Recognition
- Triennale India International Award, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi – 1994
- Your Studio Award, The Saatchi Gallery, London – 2007
- Punjab Kala Ratan, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, Chandigarh – 2014
- Amrita Sher-Gil Samman, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi – 2015
- Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Achievers Award, Government of Punjab – 2019
- Amrita–Imroz Samman, Punjabi Sahit Akademi, Ludhiana – 2020
- Punjab Gaurav Samman, Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh – 2021
Other Contributions
- Former Principal, College of Art, Chandigarh
- Ex-Member, Advisory Committee, NGMA, New Delhi
- Ex-Member, General Council, Lalit Kala Akademi and North Zone Cultural Centre
- Workshop Facilitator – Silk screen, printmaking, sculpture camps
- Art Educator and Mentor, nurturing artists across India
- Participant in numerous art camps and residencies including Surajkund and SAARC
