Rupi Kaur is an Indian-born Canadian author, illustrator, actress and spoken-word poet. Born in India in 1988, her family emigrated to Pittsburg, Canada in the early 1990s. Kaur’s debut poetry collection, Milk and Honey (2014) is rooted in the concept of ‘finding the sweetness in the sorrow’ .It quickly became an international best seller, earning Kaur recognition and acclaim. Over the years, Kaur has become one of the most celebrated poets of her generation. Her second collection, The Sun and Her Flowers (2017), has also achieved great success. She has also penned several short stories, self-illustrated books and personal essays as well as releasing an album of spoken word poetry.
Kaur’s art and words are rooted themes of love, loss, healing and femininity. Kaur’s writing style is unique and distinct – with verses often inspired by her own personal experiences like the pain of heartbreak and experiences of mental health challenges. Her poetry often serves as a personal testimony and reminder that challenges, hardships and wounds should not be ignored or brushed off. Her work serves to empower and inspire resilience.
Through her writings Kaur aimed to create a more understanding and compassionate stance towards survivors of domestic violence. She also speaks out against gender inequality, racism and other forms of injustice. She has served as a vicarious voice for many people who need courage, support or solace.Kaur’s words carry an air of complexity and beauty, allowing her audience to think on injustices and foster inspiration for change.
Kaur has become something of an online sensation, sharing her art and prose widely on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.Her social media presence has come to serve as a platform of inspiration and support, reaching millions of readers one-by-one. Kaur’s social media following includes people from all ages, backgrounds, races and religions. On Instagram alone Kaur has more than 12 million followers, making her one of the most popular poets in the world.
The success and impact of Kaur’s writing has reached far beyond her native Canada and Indian origin. She has been invited to perform in various venues throughout the world, including TEDx and the United Nations. Kaur’s success has made her a source of inspiration for aspiring and emerging female creatives and has established her as an iconic and powerful contemporary poet.
Acknowledgements
Kaur’s success is the result of her hard work and dedication to her art. Her works have been recognised and lauded by several prominent organisations, including being awarded the Goodreads Choice Award, Giller Prize, Amazon Poetry Award and Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. Her words have had a global impact, and she has been featured in several major publications including TIME and The New York Times.
Interviews
Kaur has done numerous interviews on network television, radio and magazines. In these interviews, Kaur has openly shared her experiences and thoughts on art, activism and her own struggles with mental health. Her words have truly inspired many, particularly female artists and poets, to be true to themselves and to speak their truth.
Online Work
Throughout her career, Kaur has produced many artworks that have been shared online. Her artwork is often composed of self-illustrated images or quotes from her poetry. Kaur has posed for several magazine covers and appeared in numerous documentaries. Her creative style has become influential and her success has been embraced and recognized by the online community.
Public Appearances
Kaur has also made several public appearances over the years. She has actively participated in many local and international events, notably as a keynote speaker. Kaur has also attended many book readings, book signings and workshops. In all her public appearances, Kaur has aimed to spread positive messages and make a lasting impact.
Philanthropy
Kaur’s success and influence have not gone unnoticed from charitable organizations. She has collaborated with organizations such as International Women’s Day, Planned Parenthood and Global Citizen, advocating for women’s rights, ethnic diversity, and gender inclusion. She is a strong supporter of charity events and fund raising campaigns, using her platform to help those in need.
