Sister act in miniature art

UK-based artists and twins Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh say the canvas allows them to establish their individuality It was a road trip which changed the lives of UK-based artists Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh. Deciding that his twin daughters needed an education, their father decided to drive from UK to India — a country he'd left 30 years ago. Driving for eight months, through the India of the '80s, in a mobile van converted from a fire engine, his twin daughters were taken up by the heritage of the country, especially the Mughal art of miniature paintings. Cut to the present. The Singh twins have used the same Mughal miniature style in their art to challenge existing stereotypes in contemporary art and gained international recognition. Their creations will now be on display in Mumbai in an exhibition titled 'Past Modern' which commences on May 23 at National Gallery of Modern Art, in collaboration with the British Council. Art happened to the twins as a matter of chance, since it fitted into the timetable along with their studies in comparative religion at Liverpool University College, Chester. But while pursuing contemporary western art history, Amrit and Rabindra felt enormously pressurised to conform to the values of the western form. Says Rabindra, the older by 10 minutes of the twins, The tutors were unaware of the miniature tradition, they thought it was outdated. Also objections were raised that the work of the twins were similar to each other — a big boo-boo since western contemporary art lays emphasis on individuality. In fact, an art examiner once asked them why they couldn't be different. Retorts Rabindra, We've never tried to be the same. Just that we have a common message and goal. So how does one differentiate between their works? Remarks Amrit, Rabindra's style is far more crisp. I have less patience. Says Rabindra, Amrit puts in a lot more details.