Serpentine presents a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the work of renowned Indian artist Arpita Singh. This marks Singh’s first solo exhibition outside India, showcasing a carefully curated selection of works spanning her prolific six-decade career. The exhibition, titled “Remembering,” offers a comprehensive exploration of Singh’s artistic journey, highlighting her significant contributions to contemporary international art.
Born in Kolkata in 1937, Singh emerged as a prominent figure in the 1960s, developing a distinctive painting style that seamlessly blends figuration and Surrealism. Her work draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Indian miniatures, Bengali folk art, and contemporary global events. Singh’s oeuvre is characterized by its dynamic interplay between abstraction and representation, often employing pen, ink, and pastels to create intricate layers and textures.
The exhibition at Serpentine North features a range of Singh’s works, from large-scale oil paintings to intimate watercolours and ink drawings. These pieces reflect her exploration of themes such as gender, motherhood, feminine sensuality, and vulnerability, alongside metaphorical representations of violence and political unrest in India and beyond. Singh’s art resists singular interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with her work on multiple levels.
“Remembering” builds upon Serpentine’s legacy of showcasing pioneering artists who have yet to receive due recognition in London. This exhibition follows in the footsteps of successful presentations featuring artists like Faith Ringgold, Luchita Hurtado, and James Barnor. To complement the exhibition, Serpentine will publish a comprehensive catalogue, featuring contributions from key authors, thinkers, and creatives who will illuminate Singh’s significant role in the contemporary art landscape.
This exhibition represents a culmination of Serpentine’s ongoing engagement with Indian art, which began with the landmark “Indian Highways” show at Serpentine South in 2008-2009. That exhibition provided a snapshot of a vibrant generation of Indian artists working across various media, and it was during the research for this show that Serpentine first encountered Arpita Singh’s work.
“Arpita Singh: Remembering” will be on view at Serpentine North from 13 March to 27 July 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the rich and complex work of this influential artist.
