Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu Unveils Permanent Sikh Monument at Toronto Biennial
Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu's outdoor installation, A Deathless Potential In Remembrance By You (2026), has been permanently placed at Scarborough Gurdwara in Toronto as part of the 2026 Toronto Biennial of Art. This piece symbolizes Jivan Mukti, a form of spiritual liberation attained through Simran, Seva, and Sangat. After reading a 2023 article about the Sikh genocide, Sidhu collaborated with curator Allison Glenn and sourced earth from Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab for this work. The installation features a rectangular form positioned above a steel trough fountain with an infinity edge, encircled by a garden by Alan Shields. Additionally, it includes four sculptures depicting the guru's martyred sons, each holding ceremonial daggers. The Biennial is open until 20 December, with events scheduled from 16-18 October.
Key facts
- Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu's A Deathless Potential In Remembrance By You (2026) is permanently installed at the Scarborough Gurdwara in Toronto.
- The sculpture is part of the 2026 Toronto Biennial of Art, curated by Allison Glenn.
- Sidhu incorporated earth from Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, India, into the sculpture's bricks.
- The work references the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's four sons and the concept of Jivan Mukti.
- A garden designed by Alan Shields surrounds the sculpture, featuring diverse plantings.
- The 2026 Toronto Biennial of Art: Things Fall Apart runs until 20 December at various Toronto locations.
- A three-day convening, An Arrival, A Grounding, A Departure, will take place 16-18 October, with the second day at the Scarborough Gurdwara.
- Sidhu hopes the work offers a 'deep power of invitation' to contemplate resistance and resilience of oppressed communities.
Entities
Artists
- Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu
- Allison Glenn
- Alan Shields
- Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- Aurangzeb
Institutions
- Toronto Biennial of Art
- Scarborough Gurdwara
- Brooklyn Rail
- Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib
Locations
- Toronto
- Canada
- Scarborough
- Ontario
- Punjab
- India
- Gaza