ABBOTSFORD – After successful run in Surrey, ‘Komagatamaru Stories’ Exhibition has captured the attention and imagination of Abbotsford public. The paintings and narratives of this exhibition depict key incidents of Komagata Maru’s stay off the Vancouver coast. The ship with 376 passengers of Indian origin arrived in Vancouver’s Burrard inlet on 23 May 1914 , and was forced to leave in humiliation on 23 July.
Speaking on the opening reception eminent writer Amarjit Singh Grewal remarked that it is heartening to see that a Punjabi artist and writer team has worked together to bring to light a very important chapter of Indo Canadian history in Canada to the public. Ajmer Rode revealed that four persons from their native village Rode were on the Komagata Maru ship. Kabal Singh Hundal, President of the Khalsa Divan Society said that to have this show at the same time of the Centennial Celebrations of Heritage Sikh Temple is a remarkable thing and this should be also seen as a part of the celebrations. Prof Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal termed the show a historical event which connects Indo Canadian community with the mainstream community.
Balbir Singh Saggu also praised the efforts of Jarnail Singh for telling the stories of our history and culture through paintings. Jarnail Singh shared the ongoing project with the audience, which will have more paintings and stories that will ultimately published as a illustrated book.
The show consists of paintings done by Jarnail Singh based on stories by Ajmer Rode which depict the story of Komagata Maru, is Abbotsford Arts Council’s 2nd Annual Arts & Heritage Unity Festival presentation. It is the first time that the work of an Indian artist is displayed in the Kariton Art Gallery which is situated on 2387 Ware Street Abbotsford . The show will run till August 31. For more information call Abbotsford Arts Council at 604 852 9358 or Jarnail Singh at 604 825 4659.
