In an unprecedented move for both the artist and the venue, the Serpentine Museum in London is hosting a solo exhibition featuring the renowned Indian artist Arpita Singh, marking her first presentation outside of her homeland in a career spanning over six decades.
Opening on March 23, 2025, the exhibition, titled Remembering, is the first time the museum has dedicated its main galleries to a South Asian artist. Singh, now 87 years old, has not displayed her works outside India for 60 years. The exhibit draws from a rich tapestry of influences and themes, reflecting the artist's lifelong commitment to exploring the complexities of social and political life.
The exhibition showcases Singh's vibrant oil paintings, large-format drawings, and intricate paper works, all of which are informed by her historical memories and contemporary societal issues. In her words, "things happen from meeting themselves, reflecting the movement of political and social life in my paintings, as the light reflects colors, and people like a movement." This philosophy resonates deeply in her artistic narrative.
Originally trained at the Delhi Polytechnic Institute in the 1950s, Singh's education introduced her to European modernist influences through pioneering figures like Parin De and Sailoz Mukherjea. These influences mingled with her roots in traditional Indian art forms, leading to a unique style that captivates audiences worldwide. The artist recalls, "In our third year, our professor took us to the library and introduced us to Western art. I was heavily impressed by the blue rider and Kandinsky, more than the French artists of that time."
Such experiences have imbued Singh's work with a distinct blend of traditional and contemporary elements, making her pieces notable for their rich colors and textures. The explosive colors and dynamic forms in her paintings are a reflection of her multifaceted perceptions, which she expresses both through visual vibrancy and poignant subject matter.
Singh's artistic themes often traverse significant topics such as motherhood, aging, violence, and womanhood. Her paintings are narratives that fuse personal memories with broader historical contexts, illustrating women's experiences in confronting the world's challenges. Critically, her work highlights the intersections of beauty, struggle, and resilience. The Guardian describes Singh's paintings as "vivid and contradictory, rich with influences from European modern artists she encountered while studying."
Among her works is the striking piece titled My Lollipop City: Gemini Rising, a map of the world that integrates elements of traditional manuscript illustrations with contemporary artistic flair. This piece encapsulates Singh's unique perspective on global transformations while highlighting her characteristic boldness and spontaneity.
The exhibition comes at an important time, as Singh continues to work primarily from her studio in Delhi, where she creates bold and spontaneous works filled with shapes, decorations, and interspersed texts that beg exploration. It serves not only as a retrospective but as a celebration of Singh's lifelong dedication to her craft and her voice as a woman in the art world.
Singh's exploration of women's issues has gained traction especially since the 1990s, where she has delved into the discourse surrounding femininity and violence, weaving narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. Her artwork serves as both a mirror and a canvas, reflecting personal and collective experiences, often challenging viewers to grapple with the deeper societal issues at play.
As the exhibition unfolds, it offers an opportunity for audiences in London to engage with Singh's craftsmanship and the stories embedded within her canvases—stories that speak to the heart of human experience. "Things happen from themselves, and it's crucial that they come to light in ways that spark dialogue and reflection," Singh has stated regarding her hope for the exhibition.
Singh’s exhibition at the Serpentine Museum is more than an artistic showcase; it is a significant cultural moment that bridges her rich heritage with a global audience. Through this exhibition, Singh continues to assert her place in the art world—a vibrant testament to the power of creativity and the necessity of diverse voices.
In celebrating Arpita Singh’s work, the Serpentine Museum not only elevates her profile but also deepens the conversation around the intersections of art, culture, and social action, making it essential viewing for enthusiasts and the curious alike.
