In this painting the artist has depicted Nanak in a minimal, organic form. Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion and the first of the ten sikh gurus. The stark black background draws attention to the contemplative expression on his face and the prayer beads in his hands. Surrounding him are lined details in blue and white, these trace an abstract map and reflect the many journeys that he made during his lifetime not only around the India, but also beyond, to Afghanistan, Iraq, China and Tibet. According to the artist, the two shards of colour/light, one white, one red have been inserted into this deep black space to add visual tension. They convey ascension from the level of earth to a higher consciousness.