Wirral arts: International artists, The Singh Twins’, talk about their contemporary art of British and Indian traditions

Jun 27 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL based, internationally-acclaimed watercolourists Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh draw their inspiration from both British and Indian traditions.

The sisters apply the Indian miniature tradition to their work where intricately detailed subjects are varied in scale and depict historical scenes of court life or warfare.

But take a look closer and you will notice modern features incorporated in to the painting, giving a contemporary twist.

Amrit, from Birkenhead, said: “Our inspiration comes from the ancient decorative Indian miniature tradition, which we have developed in a modern style to reflect contemporary themes from football to pop culture, to celebrity, global history, multiculturalism and politics.

“Our work is very much about celebrating aspects of shared heritage and identity between east and west, commentating on the world around us and promoting the value of traditional and non-European art forms to contemporary art.”

The Singh Twins, as they like to be known, had their innovative work recognised last year when they received MBEs at Buckingham Palace for services to the Indian miniature tradition of contemporary art.

They are ambassadors for Liverpool Decade of Health and Wellbeing and are currently working on an exhibition project focusing on Tarot imagery, highlighting the holistic and healing aspects of art including the importance of art and culture to improve quality of life.

Art lovers can chat to the sisters about their work this Saturday, June 30 at the Museum of Liverpool.

The event will be documented by film group from Chapman University in California who are in Liverpool to make a short documentary about the twins’ work.

Rabindra added: “Our painting medium is watercolour but we also work in animation, film and digital art.

“The event is an afternoon of ‘meet the artists’ in conversation with Laura MacCulloch, the curator of British art at National Museums Scotland.

“The event will focus on our creative connection with Wirral and Liverpool, how our region has influenced our work and how we have been proud to represent it on an international platform.”

The free family event on June 30 is located on the first floor, Education area 3 of Museum of Liverpool, from 2.30pm.