Gurjeet: Stitching Stories, Weaving Change

In the bustling streets of Chandigarh, artist Gurjeet Singh and United Nations Foundation Next Generation India Fellow finds inspiration in the hum of everyday life.

His studio is a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, brimming with discarded fabrics, buttons, and trimmings salvaged from local markets and his sister’s stitching business. From these remnants, he creates whimsical, otherworldly sculptures that are as witty as they are melancholic. Each piece carries layers of meaning, reflecting the stories of love, loss, and identity that shape us all.

“My art always stands tall – it speaks for me, even when I can’t,” says Gurjeet, describing the deep connection he has with his creations. “Words spoken are transient, but art is forever. It has this immortal quality, sharing stories that often go untold.”

Singh’s artistic journey began humbly, sparked by moments of quiet observation at home. “My first creative inspiration came from watching my sisters embroider and sew,” he recalls. As a child, he was captivated by the intricacies of Sikh miniatures printed in newspapers brought home by his father, and the vibrant murals and folk traditions of clay doll-making in Punjab.

Helping his father repair scooters also gave him a hands-on understanding of mechanics, an influence that subtly informs his artistic process today.

Art as a Storyteller’s Canvas

For Gurjeet, art is storytelling in its purest form. “Stories are like seeds – once planted, they grow, spreading in ways you can’t predict,” he explains. “Art has this unique power to pull together people’s stories and perspectives, creating something larger than any one individual.” His soft sculptures, stitched from richly textured fabrics, are more than objects – they’re living narratives.

Gurjeet’s reflections often drive his work. “Facts may fade, but stories? Stories stay with you. They move you, stir something deep inside, and when they make you feel, that feeling stays – powerful and unforgettable. That’s what drives change.”

This philosophy is woven into Fabric of the Future, a standout piece made from materials he collected over five years. The cyclical process of stitching, cutting, and re-stitching the fabric mirrors his view of progress. “We thought the betterment of the world would be linear, but instead, we’re stuck in cycles,” he says. “The top layer of soft organza invites you in, but it leaves you with an image of discomfort. It forces you to ask: Here are the problems of the world, what are you going to do about it?”

Finding Humanity Amid Contradictions

When asked what gives him hope, Gurjeet answers without hesitation: “People.” He draws inspiration from human connection and the stories people share with him. “When you meet people and hear their stories, you realize that people themselves are beautiful, even divine. It’s their divinity that fills me with hope for the future.”

But he also acknowledges the contradictions of humanity that keep him awake at night. “It makes me deeply uncomfortable – ajeeb lagta hai – when I see cruelty, violence, or desperation becoming the norm. Is this who we are?” His voice softens as he adds, “In my eyes, the world is beautiful, and people are beautiful. But when I see how we treat each other, it breaks my heart. We could be so much better.”

From Village Dreams to Artistic Realities

Gurjeet’s path to becoming an artist wasn’t straightforward. Growing up in a Punjabi village, he only knew of a handful of professions – teacher, shopkeeper, farmer. “I didn’t even know you could be an artist,” he admits. Yet, through encouragement from his siblings and his own adaptability, he found his way into the art world.

“Art karne mein mazza aaya toh maine art kar li,” he says with a laugh, loosely translating to, “I found joy in creating art, so I kept doing it.”

Breathing Life Into the Forgotten

A hallmark of Gurjeet’s work is his use of discarded materials. “Anytime I went to scope fabrics, I found myself drawn to the ‘imperfect,’ rejected materials abandoned in corners. It struck a chord,” he shares. “Growing up, I faced rejection and bullying, constantly reminded of my ‘imperfections.’ These fabrics, like me, had stories to tell.”

This connection became a deeply personal process for Gurjeet. “Art impacts the world, yes, but it also teaches the artist. While I might be telling one story, my materials tell their own. That’s the dual strength of my work – layered, multifaceted, and always evolving.”

A Vision for Tomorrow

As Gurjeet prepares to create a piece reflecting the aspirations of young India, he embraces the unpredictability of his process. “Each piece is like living a new life,” he explains. “You have to live it fully to reach the final destination.”

His ultimate vision for the world is simple yet profound: a return to humanity. “We need to remember we’re not alone,” he says. “Sorrow shared is halved; joy shared is doubled. That’s the essence of being human.”

The Final Stitch

Through his work, Gurjeet Singh invites us to see beauty in imperfection, find hope in resilience, and recognize the stories embedded in every thread. His art isn’t just about creating – it’s about connecting.

“The Earth cannot be bought with wealth,” he says. “We need to reassess what we’re leaving behind.” His art reminds us that every piece of fabric, every story, and every person has value, and together, they form the intricate tapestry of our shared future.