Journey of the Mind (JOTM), the touring exhibition from Without Shape Without Form (WSWF), began its journey in Birmingham UK, in November 2021. With the aim of spreading the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji which are universal and for all. The exhibition combines figurative drawings and digitally created paintings by world-renowned Sikh artist Kanwar Singh, with easily digestible text panels – including excerpts in the original Gurmukhi script – and short films by animator Christian Wood. The exhibition explores the stories of those who historically attained the religion’s highest spiritual levels.
The profound teachings shared by the exhibition focus on the mind, which for many is in constant overdrive and pain.
“Every message I read I felt like it was relating to me, the pain we are going through”
- visitor to JOTM at the Library of Birmingham.
It is safe to say that the exhibition connected with people from a wide cultural background, all of whom, just as the entire world, had and still were experiencing the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic. During the pandemic, isolation meant that families were separated and social contact, which humans thrive on, was limited. This limited contact really impacted mental health and the constant internal thoughts, the internal chatter which people experience. Covid-19 exacerbated such issues, which meant that this exhibition was a way for us to share, Simran, a tool to help ease the pain and quieten the mind. An overwhelming majority of visitors said they found the exhibition thought-provoking, captivating and relevant.
“Your exhibition reached so many different people and different organisations. Many more people from different areas of the city were able to connect”
- Debbie Kermode, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Midlands Art Centre.
Even prior to the exhibition, WSWF sevadaars were clear that the ensuing mental health crisis could be aided by the unique stories, teachings from the Gurus and the focused practice of Simran. This clear need was evident by the number of people who visited the exhibition and especially those who came back multiple times.
Over 3,500 people visited JOTM in Birmingham, all from different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures; highlighting how the teachings and practical techniques were received on a universal basis by all. Additionally, there was a wide-ranging public programme, which again attracted people from all walks of life. Events were tailored for people of all ages and abilities to ensure inclusivity and so that as many people as possible were able to access the positive messages being shared. The events were golden nuggets alongside the main exhibition, attracting wider communities and thereby ultimately spreading the technique of Simran to help alleviate the mental health crisis engulfing the country.
The video below shows an overview of the exhibition in Birmingham and provides an insight into the importance of touring JOTM in other cities across the UK:
Journey of the Mind - Birmingham 2021
JOTM is continuing its journey across the country with the next two stops in Glasgow and Bristol. This unique exhibition will be at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow from 6 – 23 October and at the Arnolfini in Bristol from 5 November – 4 December. For more information on the exhibition and other supporting events please visit:
https://www.withoutshapewithoutform.com/journey-of-the-mind