Quick Facts
Biography
Trilok Singh Chitarkar (1914-1990) was an Indian painter. He was appointed as a State Artist in erstwhile PEPSU state of Punjab in 1948 and later worked as Artist in Department of Languages, Punjab. He lived and worked all over India and spent last years of his life in Patiala town in Punjab state in India.
Personal life
Trilok Singh was born at village Jartauli, near Ludhiana to father Gurdit Singh and mother Daya Kaur. His father was a civil engineer by profession, who works in the Cape Government Railways, South African Republic and then in East Bengal Railways at Assam. His mother passed away during his childhood and he spent his childhood life at Jartauli under the supervision of his grandfather Baba Daya Singh Hakim. He was married to Harbans Kaur and has one daughter and three sons.
Paintings
Being a very religious person, his knowledge about sikh religion is reflected in all his paintings. During initial days of his career, his works mostly focused towards freedom struggle of India and Patriotism. Later on his works represented teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. He also prepared illustrations of many books including Guru Gobind Singh Marg, while working with Punjab Language deptt.
Awards and honors
Then Chief Minister of Punjab Giani Zail Singh had inaugurated his Art Gallery Chitralok, Patiala in year 1973 and also named a street as Chitra-lok Street after him.
Punjabi University has instituted an award Sardar Trilok Singh Chitarkar Gold Medalin the memory of painter, which is conferred annually to university topper of M.A. Fine Art. One researcher has been awarded Ph.D. degree by Punjabi University on critical work of this single painter's work. He was mentioned in various research articles, theses and books about Painters of Punjab. One book titled Chitralok's contribution to Art has been published in Punjabi language by Department of Languages, Punjab in year 1984.
Many Punjabi newspapers share stories about the inspiring works of this artist. The painting exhibitions of this painter have been held frequently all around the Punjab.