Art is a medium that reveals to the world the intricate imagination of an artist's mind. Amandeep Singh, popularly known as Inkquisitive, is a visual artist whose journey from a small town, Chigwell, in England, to global recognition is nothing short of remarkable, reflecting his deep passion and unique artistic vision. Born and raised in East London, Inkquisitive found solace in art from a young age. Although his early life may have been shaped by pressure to follow a traditional career path, his heart was always set on art.
In terms of artistic style, Inkquisitive presents a fusion of vibrant colors, intricate details, and emotional depth, bringing traditional and contemporary themes to the limelight. He details his processes for marrying the two together, “I know what excites me, what feels right, and what gives me contentment. It's more about intuition—controlled chaos, if you will. I don't intentionally try to blend styles; they just layer together naturally. Contemporary elements might come from things I see or conversations I have, while traditional aspects come from my love for using Indian inks, calligraphy, and brown sugar paper.”
Inkquisitive’s work often explores themes of identity, culture, and spirituality, resonating with audiences across the globe. The name "Inkquisitive" itself is a testament to his desire to explore the world through art. Inkquisitive discloses, “The name actually comes from my mother. She named me ‘Inkquisitive’ because she said my work poses questions and I love using inks, so she gave me that eureka moment.”
It was during university, when studying illustration, that Inkquisitive began experimenting with digital art, blending traditional techniques with modern technology. Eventually, when Inkquisitive began sharing his work on social media, a breakthrough happened. Platforms like Instagram became his gallery, allowing him to reach a global audience.
The first person to share the brilliant creative’s work was actually Bruce Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee, followed by LL Cool J and Missy Elliott. Soon enough, his artwork also caught the eye of legendary artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and J Cole. These collaborations helped to propel his career, bringing his art to an even larger audience. His bold use of color and emotionally charged imagery quickly garnered attention, and his following grew exponentially.
The accomplished artist recalls, “I remember when Instagram first came out, and I was one of the first artists to use the platform to share my work. Although I count my blessings every day and am genuinely thankful for all my followers, it’s not why I do what I do. I never started this journey seeking likes or applause. I create because I have a calling, and sometimes it’s so loud that I just have to pick up a pen. So, it means a lot even if someone looks at my work for just five seconds. That said, I’m not counting likes; I’m counting what comes from the heart.”
Despite his success, Inkquisitive remains grounded and committed to using his platform to inspire others. He speaks about the importance of staying true to oneself and following one’s passion despite obstacles and controversies, “Criticism can arise from different interpretations of my work, but I never intend to offend anyone or cast a dark cloud over any community. Everyone has an opinion, and so do I. Some people tweet, write poetry, or sing to express their views; I happen to paint mine. Most of the time, people are supportive. However, there are always two sides to a story, and whether my work becomes controversial isn't something I decide. At the end of the day, people will always have something to say, which they are absolutely entitled to, but I never forget my vision, which is to create artwork.”
Inkquisitive’s work is also deeply spiritual. He often incorporates elements of Sikhism into his art. This spiritual connection adds another layer of depth and soul to his work as he continues to speak up against injustices across communities, “My Gurus stood for injustices, and I do the same, except they did it with a sword, and I do it with a pen.” His art serves as a bridge between cultures, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of his identity and the broader human experience.
Beyond the canvas, falling in love, becoming a husband to Mundheep—who is also a content creator and talented baker—and, now, fatherhood are all life-changing experiences that have influenced his perspective on art and life. He elaborates, “You put ink on paper, and it spreads, grows, and becomes a masterpiece; I’ve seen that through my daughter, Roux. There’s a new understanding and learning every day, and it’s played a beautiful part in my artistic journey. I now pay more attention to the elegance of creating art. The way I hold my child is how I delicately hold my paintbrush or calligraphy pen.”
Undoubtedly, from sell-out exhibitions to inspiring the next generation and bringing families together through art, Inkquisitive’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and creativity. Today, he continues to inspire countless others to pursue their dreams, reminding us all of the importance of staying inquisitive about the world around us, “So what if you’ve been told to paint the sun, and you draw it as a triangle? That’s the reason yours will stand out. Break the rules, have fun, and be confident in your decisions. The whole purpose of art is to bring out the hidden corners of your mind and brain. This is what mine looks like—very colorful!”