Our ongoing blog series by our apprentice technician, Mina, continues. Discover the fascinaiting work of The Singh Twins and the origianl painting that is part of Art In Healthcares art collection.
Image: ‘The New Arrival’ by The Singh Twins
Welcome to the eighteenth Blog Post from the Collection Technicians!
Amrit Singh and Rabindra Kaur Singh also known as The Singh Twins are world renowned artists known for their contemporary work showcasing the Indian Miniature painting tradition, using this medium they make statements about the world politically and historically.
Looking to Indian miniature paintings the Singh Twins began focusing their way of communicating artistically even before their studies. On their undergraduate degree they came up against scrutiny and prejudice with tutors telling them to westernise their artwork and look at more European artists for inspiration, they were told their paintings were old fashioned and not contemporary. By continuing to create pieces which represented their heritage the Singh Twins saw that their work could be a way of speaking out against the prejudice they experienced. The Singh Twin’s work often focuses on current affairs and contemporary culture as well as important political topics. The Singh Twins may work on a piece together or separately, but credit is always given to them both for every piece of artwork they make.
Indian miniature painting can be dated back to 750 AD. The paintings then were created on palm leaves which is why they had to be so small.
The painting we have in the collection by The Singh Twins is titled ‘The New Arrival” it shows a family in the foreground and in the background is an ambulance and a landscape. The painting itself is not much longer than a ruler, the amount of precision shown in a small painting like this is amazing and shows the incredible levels of craftsmanship and detail which goes into each of their pieces.
Image: ‘The New Arrival’ on display at University Hospital Crosshouse.
Caring for the Collection is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to dedicate time to improve the condition of our artworks currently in our store, so that they will be able to be displayed in health and social care settings across Scotland.
Museum & Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship is supported by Museums Galleries Scotland provider of the apprenticeship, mentor and SCQF level 7
14 July 2026 by
Amy Miles