I have been making art with the Sikh community around the world for almost 15 years now. The specific thing about Sikhi is that the Gurus said they didn’t want to be portrayed because they wanted Sikhs to worship action and not idols. So the problem is how do we make art about Sikh. The solution is to make art about what Sikhs do. So I make art about the humble un-named Sikh men and women, who daily represent the word of the Gurus. This to me is the strong story of Sikhs today. This mural brings together many ideas from conversations I have had with many members of the local Innisfail sangat. Every element of the painting has been contributed by someone different.

This mural represents the story of Sikhs in Innisfail and the Cassowary Coast Region.

The story of Sikhi is one of journeys. Sikhs are searchers for truth. Starting with Guru Nanak, Sikhs have been open to all and courageous, travelling to every part of the world. The Guru Granth Sahib starts with Ek, the one energy and life force that is flowing through all of creation. Sikhs have never been afraid of sowing themselves in the very fields of their adopted country and growing according to new climates and cultures. Sikhs are part of everyone and everyone is part of Sikhi.

Looking from right top we see the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas, which have always been the backdrop of Punjab and the source of its 5 rivers, which have made it strong and fertile. Moving down from the mountains, we see the flat plains of Punjab with its crops and of course the beautiful Darbar Sahib, Amritsar sitting at the base of the mountains. The Darbar Sahib looks small but it floats larger than life in a landscape of Punjabi fields. It is placed here because behind this wall is the Guru Granth Sahib for the present Gurdwara. 

Geographically Punjab has grown up in the cross roads of migrating people and empires. Punjab is no stranger to conflict and has often been equally a bulwark against and a victim of military aggression. There is some smoke from a fire that reminds us of the trauma, conflict and uncertainty that has sadly forced many families to migrate away over the years. On the right hand side in the foreground, there is a raised area where we see the back view of a man walking behind a traditional Punjabi ox plough. This figure hints at Guru Nanak who never wanted to be portrayed but lives in the spirit of the humble farmer. The figure is ploughing and moving towards the Darbar Sahib.

Moving towards the left, we cross the first of the 5 rivers in the mural. We are now in Australia leaving behind the crops of Punjab, wheat and rice as can be seen on the large pole. In the background we see the many mountains of Innisfail including Mount Bartle Frere, the witness to everything that happens in Innisfail.

In the foreground on the left-hand side is a raised hill with a banana, pawpaw and sugar cane farm. This is the reality of so many members of this sangat. It is their life and their tradition. Working the land is central to the lives of so many Sikhs. There is a woman driving a tractor based on one member of this sangat, who told me that she drove tractors on a banana farm. We have the equal contribution of both men and women to the hard work of building new lives and community in their adopted country and town.

Further to the left, is the rainforest, the natural environment from which we all grow. Guru Nanak taught reverence for nature and respect for all creation. The rainforest is significant to the lives of all in Innisfail and within it comes the famous animals of this region, the Cassowary and the Wallaby. These two iconic animals are the Far North Queensland versions of Australia’s national animal symbols. The natural history and forest ancient Australia and the first peoples the Ma:Mu who lived on and loved this land for 2000+ generations. By remembering the Ma:Mu, we who have come later deepen our gratitude for the powerful and delicate forces of nature whom we depend on.

This leads to the last journey, from the centre to the horizon - the infinite journey of the soul. The central message of Sikhi ੴ can be seen in the earth, the water and the air, in all 4 directions and in space. This gives us the opportunity to reflect on our soul as a drop dissolving into oneness with the eternal. Togetherness, unity, seeing Ek in all.

So we have many journeys: from ancient past to now, from recent past to now, from Punjab to Australia to Innisfail and then the journey of our soul with the Infinite. Some of our younger generation are discovering their heritage and roots for the first time. They may wish to view this mural from left to right. Some may see no journey but just a reflection on the Ek in the middle.

The three tenets of Sikhi: to share, to meditate on that Ek and to earn your living through honest means are embedded in this mural. There are small details that reveal these tenets. Can you find them?  As you find them you will be learning about the history of Sikhi.