Friends, family remember Shiv Singh

CHANDIGARH: Tributes were paid to legendary artist Shiv Singh at a memorial meeting organized by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy at Government Museum and Art Gallery on Friday. The event was attended by Shiv Singh's wife Gizela and son Yasvin, who believed that "Shiv would have appreciated this gesture". The solemn event saw luminaries from the field of art and culture celebrating the life and work of the internationally acclaimed painter, designer and sculptor.
Eminent personalities like former railways minister Pawan Bansal, actress Dolly Tiwari of 'Vicky Donor' fame, members of Lalit Kala Academy and artists from in and outside the Tricity were present to commemorate the "man in black who had a vivacious presence and a visionary approach".
The event commenced with chairman of Lalit Kala Academy Diwan Manna remembering the versatile artist. "There was integrity in Shiv Singh's art and personality. His contribution to the City Beautiful will always be remembered with great pride and reverence," he said.
Panchkula deputy commissioner, Vivek Atray was unable to attend the memorial service, but sent a message in which he remembered Shiv Singh as a "dear friend and a dynamic personality who will be immortal through his artworks."
A poetic charm resonated in the auditorium when the audience was given a glimpse of the celebrated artist's life and work through a small slide show that had some rare photos of Shiv Singh and his artwork. Pawan Bansal spoke in honor of the artist's legacy and said,"Shiv Singh has made Chandigarh proud. His abstract artwork has left an indelible impact on everyone."
Many close associates of Shiv Singh, including distinguished art historian B N Gowswami and Surinder Gill, shared snippets from his life and reconstructed fond memories. "The angularities of Shiv Singh's personality were reflected in his sculptures," Gowswami was quoted as saying.
On the occasion, Manna announced a documentary on several eminent artists of the region. "Lalit Kala Academy has been video documenting the lives of several acclaimed artists, including Nek Chand and Shiv Singh, and a documentary, which is in the editing phase right now, will be released soon."