Liminal Geographies: The Landscapes of Paramjit Singh

Thoughts/Dr Ved Prakash Bhardwaj

Paramjit Singh is a significant figure in modern Indian art who offers a distinctive way of perceiving nature—both in its visible and invisible dimensions. His solo exhibition Liminal Geographies, organised by Vadehra Art Gallery, reflects this unique vision. The works move beyond the conventional depiction of landscapes and instead explore the subtle, experiential realm within nature.

Nature, in its essence, is complex and paradoxical—simultaneously solid and fluid, visible and invisible, still yet dynamic. While most artists represent the physical aspects of landscapes—trees, sky, water, and horizon—Paramjit Singh focuses on what may be called the “liminal” zone. This is not a physical boundary but a space of emotion, memory, and sensation where the external world transforms into an inner experience.

In his paintings, stillness is never static. Through delicate variations of light, shadow, and colour, he introduces a quiet movement that animates the scene. His landscapes do not dazzle with brightness; rather, they unfold in a soft, introspective glow. The viewer is not transported to a specific geographical location but into a mental space where imagination and reality coexist. Silence becomes expressive, and solitude reveals the subtle transformations of nature.

Light and shadow in his work are not merely visual tools but carry philosophical meaning, too. Light conveys depth and duration, while shadow expands rather than obscures the image. Together, they elevate the painting beyond surface reality, transforming it into a reflection of inner experience. This creates a quiet sense of drama—seen in moments like a beam of light piercing dense foliage or a faint glow emerging from within darkness.

In the works presented in Liminal Geographies, however, this dramatic interplay appears more restrained. The paintings evoke a sense of calm and meditative stillness, as if time itself had slowed down. The earlier turbulence in his work gives way to a composed and contemplative mood, resembling a sustained musical note or a state of deep meditation. The landscapes appear timeless, settled in an inner tranquillity.

Paramjit Singh’s creative process is layered and meticulous. He builds his canvases through multiple layers of colour, balancing transparency and opacity to create depth. This technique mirrors the structure of memory, where layers of past experience shape present perception. As a result, the viewer’s gaze moves inward, engaging with the painting as a mental and emotional landscape rather than a purely visual one.

Although human figures are absent, a sense of human presence persists. This absence is meaningful—it suggests not dominance over nature but a quiet merging with it. The artist presents a humble and balanced relationship between human consciousness and the natural world.

While his work does not overtly express socio-political concerns, it conveys a deep cultural sensitivity. Nature is not treated as an object to be consumed but as a field of experience. His landscapes move beyond representation to explore the inner geography of perception, where opposites—light and shadow, stillness and movement—coexist.

Ultimately, Paramjit Singh’s art reminds us that the true landscape lies within. To engage with it requires not just observation but sensitivity. His paintings invite us to pause, reflect, and experience the quiet depth of nature and consciousness.

-All images are courtesy of Vadehra Art Gallery

Reference: https://www.vadehraart.com/