Nirbhai Singh Sidhu's 'UNSTRUCK MELODY' Opens at without SHAPE without FORM in Slough
Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu, an artist from Toronto, will showcase 'UNSTRUCK MELODY' at without SHAPE without FORM in Slough, UK, from July 8, 2026, to May 8, 2027. This exhibition will include mixed-media paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and films, delving into Sikh principles of Simran, Seva, and Sangat. Notable pieces are the tapestry 'Medicine for a Nightmare' (2019) and the sculpture 'Nirankar Object in the Sound of Ek' (2019). Sidhu's work reflects labor-based knowledge and Sikh interiority. A member of Black Constellation, he has shown his art in numerous venues. Future events include the Toronto Biennial of Art 2026 and a partnership with Wellin Museum of Art from September 11, 2027, to June 11, 2028. The exhibition first appeared at the 2023 London Design Festival.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'UNSTRUCK MELODY' runs 8 July 2026 to 8 May 2027 at without SHAPE without FORM, 221 Bath Road, Slough, UK.
- Features tapestry, painting, sculpture, and film exploring Sikh teachings of Simran, Seva, and Sangat.
- Title refers to Anhad Shabad, the 'unstruck melody' in Sikh philosophy.
- Key work: tapestry 'Medicine for a Nightmare' (2019) from series 'When My Drums Come Knocking They Watch' (2018–2019).
- Textile piece inspired by jazz percussionist Kahil El’Zabar.
- Sculpture 'Nirankar Object in the Sound of Ek' (2019) uses nineteen chromed steel bars.
- Sidhu is Toronto-based, member of Black Constellation, and designs under Paradise Sportif.
- Previous exhibitions include Aichi Triennale, Frye Art Museum, Gallery of Modern Art Glasgow, MOCAD, Esker Foundation, and V&A.
- Upcoming: Toronto Biennial of Art 2026; 'JOURNEY OF THE MIND' tour at Contemporary Calgary, Campbell House Museum, and Vancouver; 'AWAKENED BY THE UNSTRUCK' at Wellin Museum of Art (2027–2028).
- First presented at 2023 London Design Festival at Victoria and Albert Museum.
Entities
Artists
- Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu
- Kahil El’Zabar
Institutions
- without SHAPE without FORM
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- London Design Festival
- Aichi Triennale
- Nagoya City Museum
- Frye Art Museum
- Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow
- Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
- Esker Foundation
- Toronto Biennial of Art
- Contemporary Calgary
- Campbell House Museum
- Wellin Museum of Art
- Hamilton College
- Black Constellation
- Paradise Sportif
- Sher-E-Punjab Sports Academy
Locations
- Slough
- United Kingdom
- Toronto
- Canada
- Chakar
- Punjab
- India
- Aichi
- Japan
- Nagoya
- Seattle
- Glasgow
- Detroit
- Calgary
- Vancouver
- New York