An exhibition titled “Dignity of Work,” featuring oil paintings by former United Nations official Rahul Sur, is on display from February 2 to 27 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The collection highlights workers whose contributions often go unnoticed in daily life. Reflecting on the theme of the exhibition, Sur told South Asian Herald, “There is a tendency to paint pictures of those above us. Prime Ministers, sports starts, glamorous film people and others. But, I wanted to portray the quite beauty and heroism of the people who work at those levels of society, which are often overlooked.”

According to the artist’s statement, the paintings are based on photographs taken by Sur over nearly three decades and depict subjects in India, Haiti, and Lebanon. The works pay tribute to millions of ordinary workers around the world, particularly those who are self-employed and rely on manual labor.

Sur underscores that work represents more than a means of earning a “living.” In the statement, he describes it as a continuing participation in God’s creation, in which “we all share.”

“Dignity in work is not determined by salary level, job title, social status, or the prestige of an industry,” he notes. “Every role contributes meaningfully to the functioning of society and deserves respect. It is not only leaders or glamorous figures in film and sport who merit the time and talent of an artist. Too often, we overlook the ‘ordinary’ worker, who forms the foundation of all civilizations.”

The statement further describes the subjects as resilient individuals who carry out their tasks with quiet determination. “The artist sees them as uncomplaining and dignified, weathering the storms of life while absorbed in their humble tasks, unmonitored by anyone, in a world of their own, earning their living with quiet dignity,” it adds.

Sur said the exhibition has received positive feedback from visitors.

“Incredible work and very beautifully expressed the theme of ‘Dignity of Work,’” wrote India’s Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, who recently visited the United Nations to participate in official events hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.

“Thank you for bringing your imagination and focus on the theme of Dignity in your paintings. These are often overlooked in day-to-day life. Your work has inspired me to include this idea into my work,” wrote Associate Professor at Northern Michigan University, Vikash Kumar. 

“Amazing exhibition – very interesting and important topic. Thank you for sharing your incredible artwork – it brought me back to the magic of India,” commented a German translation official at UN Headquarters.

Sur encourages viewers to carry forward the sentiment reflected in the paintings and to recognize those who are often taken for granted in everyday routines. He invites reflection on individuals such as the vendor selling mangoes with spice and lemon juice, the fruit and vegetable seller braving cold weather, or the person delivering food to one’s doorstep.

“Look closely, and you will find them,” he adds.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Sur has had a distinguished career in public service. In India, he served in the Indian Police Service, including as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, and retired with the rank of Inspector General. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984, he personally “saved the lives” of innocent Sikhs who were in “grave danger from violent mobs,” according to the statement.

Sur later joined the United Nations, serving in the Office of Internal Oversight Services at Headquarters and in field missions across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. He established the first permanent field investigation office of the Investigations Division in Timor-Leste between 2000 and 2001. As Chief of Conduct and Discipline in the United Nations Mission in Haiti from 2006 to 2009, within the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, he took action against personnel implicated in sexual exploitation and abuse.

Subsequently, as Chief of Peacekeeping Evaluation in the Inspection and Evaluation Division, he led evaluations addressing “sensitive issues” including protection of civilians, sexual exploitation and abuse, and human rights. The statement notes that this work prompted “wide debate” and “meaningful reform.” He retired from the United Nations in 2021.

Sur holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Stephen’s College, a law degree from Delhi University, and a master’s degree from Harvard University. He has also undertaken advanced studies in drug abuse policy at Johns Hopkins University. In addition to Hindi and English, he speaks Punjabi, Marathi, and French.

According to Sur, his current artistic practice is exploring “new directions,” drawing inspiration from “Hindu traditions” and their engagement with “contemporary issues.”

Comments and reflections are welcome at: rahulrsur@gmail.com.

Related posts:

Bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Passed Unanimously in the US Congress Heads to President’s Desk for Approval  “7 Decades: A Silent Refugee Crisis” Art Exhibition Brings Untold Refugee Stories to Capitol Hill Jeena Raghavan’s Bold Canvases Capture Movement, Emotion, and Global Acclaim World Meditation Day: United Nations Highlights Meditation’s Role in Mental Well-Being and Global Peace