A guided tour of Journey of the Mind, an exhibition by Without Shape Without Form, at the Library of Birmingham, and Dreamworld, an exhibition by artist Mit Jai Inn, at Ikon Gallery.

The tour will be led by the exhibition curators, Deep Kailey (Without Shape Without Form) and Melanie Pocock (Ikon Gallery), who will discuss artistic styles from an intercommunal and interfaith lens, addressing ideas of the mind and spirituality.

This event aims to connect the artwork to messages of inclusivity, kindness and equality.

Journey of the Mind combines Sikh teachings with new forms of storytelling to share a message of inclusivity, kindness and equality. Featuring figurative drawings and digitally created paintings by world-renowned Sikh artist Kanwar Singh, 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 highest spiritual levels.

Dreamworld is the first major solo exhibition in Europe by leading Thai artist Mit Jai Inn (b.1960). Comprising recent works made from multiple layers of canvas and paint, it fills the gallery’s white-walled spaces with a kaleidoscope of material colour. Mit’s practice can be linked to his early training as a novice monk at the Djittabhawan Buddhist College, Pattaya. There, he learned the value and discipline of meditation and living with minimal means. He was a regular recipient of alms and it is possible that this tradition inspired his consideration of artworks as gifts.

This talk is part of the programme for Journey of the Mind. 

An exhibition at the Library of Birmingham on 18 November until 4 December 2021.