Suman Gujral is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose work spans printmaking, textiles and poetry. She earned an MA in Fine Art from the University of Hertfordshire in 2018, and her work is held in the University's collection as well as the Whitworth Art Gallery. The daughter of refugees and immigrants, Gujral's practice explores themes of displacement, colonialism and resilience, with a strong focus on community, inclusivity and compassion, reflecting on how people rebuild and thrive after trauma.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Gujral spoke about the significance of South Asian Heritage Month and the inspirations behind her work.
This year's South Asian Heritage Month celebrates the theme "Unity in Diversity." What does this theme mean to you, both personally and through your artistic practice?
I think it's important to celebrate our individuality while also recognising that, despite our different religions, cultures and backgrounds, we have so much in common. For the past few years, my practice has focused on reconnecting with our heritage through traditional crafts. That journey became deeply personal because both of my parents were displaced during the 1947 Partition of India. A few years ago, my mother gave me the tablecloths and pillowcases she had embroidered with my grandmother after they were resettled. The designs were traditional Phulkari patterns, and they made me reflect on how, before Partition, women from different religious communities in Punjab would gather to stitch Phulkaris, sharing stories and everyday experiences. After Partition, those shared spaces and traditions were lost. That inspired my project, Stitch Your Story, where I bring together people of different faiths and generations to learn traditional Phulkari embroidery. Through stitching, we also share our own stories and discover the connections between us. Embroidery is a universal language, across cultures, people have always come together to stitch, talk and build community.
Your work explores displacement, colonialism, survival, and joy. How do these themes resonate with the experiences of South Asian communities today?
I think it comes back to my parents' story, and my own. I came to the UK when I was just three, like many families who emigrated after Partition. Those early years were difficult. Many faced racism, struggled with the language, and found it hard to secure work. They worked incredibly hard to build new lives and provide for their families. But alongside those challenges, they held on to joy. They continued celebrating their festivals, gathering at the Gurdwara, mosque or temple, and keeping their communities strong. Those traditions reminded us that, despite our different religious beliefs, we share so much, our food, clothing, customs and values. Focusing on those shared experiences helped create a sense of belonging and connection.
What advice would you give to young South Asian artists who want to explore their heritage while also forging their own creative identity?
I know some artists don't want to be identified as South Asian artists, they simply want to be known as artists. But I think you can be both. My advice is to embrace your identity and let it inspire your work. Exploring your history, culture and heritage can add real depth, while still allowing you to create work that speaks to wider audiences. I see myself as Sikh, Indian and British, and those different parts of my identity give me a rich source of inspiration.
As we mark South Asian Heritage Month, what message would you like readers to take away about unity, diversity, and the power of art to bring people together?
I think art is a universal language because it's visual. Anyone can look at a piece of work, connect with it and have their own response, regardless of their background. I also believe art should be part of everyday life, not just something displayed in galleries. It's more than a picture on a wall, it can be found in our food, the stories we read, traditional crafts like Phulkari, and the spaces we gather in, whether that's a Gurdwara, mosque or temple. Art enriches our lives and helps us appreciate the many ways different cultures express and celebrate who they are.
