About

The Artist

In the works of Surkhaab, history does not merely exist in books—it breathes through the resonance of strings and the surgical precision of his brush. Raised in an atmosphere where the melodies of ancestral instruments served as his first language, the musical legacy of his forefathers became the very foundation of his artistic soul. While music finds its form through sound, Surkhaab felt drawn toward visual art—a silent yet powerful medium that speaks volumes without the need for words.

His heritage is deeply intertwined with the partition, when his ancestors migrated with little more than their cherished musical instruments, most notably the Sarangi. Known as the vessel of ‘all colors,’ the Sarangi became the spiritual anchor of his creative journey. Today, Surkhaab weaves this inherited harmony into his visual art, creating a unique ‘one-surata’ (oneness) where classical folk melodies meet the canvas.

Beyond the emotional depth, his practice is defined by rigorous technical excellence and the use of premium archival-grade materials. Surkhaab is recognized for his intricate detail and multi-layered aesthetic, often employing ‘Hidden Color Presentations’ and complex glazing to create a sense of living depth. Always striving to innovate within the tradition, he is currently engaged in a monumental endeavor to repaint the Khalsa empire . By capturing the sovereign splendor and minute textures of that golden era, Surkhaab invites elite collectors to witness a revival of heritage that is as scientifically precise as it is spiritually profound.

Academic Excellence & Recognition

Education

MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) | Government College of Art, Sector 10, Chandigarh (Panjab University) – 2025

BFA (Bachelors in Fine Arts) | Guru Kashi University, Bathinda, Punjab – 2023

Art & Craft Diploma | Punjab Technical Education Board – 2017

major achievements & awards

  • State Award (Two-time recipient) | Punjab Education Board – 2014 & 2015
  • Award in Tobuovimaan’s 29th international exhibition 2024 in which 24 nationalitieshosted by India.
  • Selected for art workshop 2024 organized by KT kala museum at Amritsar Punjab India.
  • Second award on oil painting in 56th annual art exhibition of govt college of art, Chandigarh, Punjab 2023, India.
  • Award of excellence on the occasion of state youth festival by government college of art, Chandigarh, Punjab, India.
  • First position cash award on oil painting in art exhibition 2023 organized by DAAR Society (Dance and art researches) at Punjab kala Bhawan sector 16 B, Chandigarh, India.
  • Cash award for live painting in Chandigarh carnival art workshop 2023 organized by Chandigarh Lalit kala Bhawan sector 10, Punjab India.
  • First prize in state level competition in inter university on the occasion of youth festival by Punjab university Patiala, Punjab, India 2022.
  • First prize in inter zonal competition on the occasion of youth festival 2022 Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India.
  • First award in still life on Punjab university zonal youth & Heritage Festival -2022 organized by DAV College, Sector-10, Chandigarh, India.
  • Gold medal award in 18th international art exhibition 2016 organized by KSHITIJ art society Gurgaon, India.
  • First prize in the inter college painting competition 2016 on 22nd annual art festivalorganized b y S. Sobha Singh memorial Chitarrakar Society Bathinda, Punjab.
  • First position on state level competition in art & craft festival by national secondary education statement authority Punjab India.