Born in 1949 in Patiala, Punjab, Gurcharan Singh is a distinguished Indian painter known for figurative compositions that confront the social realities of urban life. He trained at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chandigarh, where he developed the figurative language that would define his practice.

Singh's work is rooted in observation and empathy. Walking through the less visible corners of cities, he encountered individuals living on the margins of society — outcasts, the impoverished, and those surviving harsh conditions — and these encounters shaped his artistic vision. His canvases portray men, women, children, and animals in dense, expressive compositions capturing the emotional complexities of everyday life.

A turning point came with a visit to a red-light district, which resulted in one of his early works, The Red Light in Black and White — a study of a woman waiting at a traffic signal for it to change from red, a colour signifying danger. Though surrounded by the district's vibrant colours, Singh perceived a darker emotional landscape marked by despair, vulnerability, and resilience. Back in his studio, he translated these impressions onto canvas with urgency; his broader body of work from this period is populated by expressive figures rendered in vivid reds and blues.

Women on the fringes of society became a recurring focus, depicted not merely as victims but with psychological depth, strength, and complexity. Over time, his practice moved beyond documentation toward deeper symbolic relationships — most notably his juxtaposition of animals with prostitutes, using animal imagery as a metaphor for humanity's instinctual, primal side.

Through his bold colour palette, dynamic compositions, and emotionally charged figures, Singh created a visual narrative of lives often overlooked by mainstream society, offering both social commentary and a compassionate reflection on humanity.

He has held several solo exhibitions in Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, and Canada. His works form part of important public collections, including the Lalit Kala Akademi, the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, and India House, Paris.