The McMaster Museum of Art presents PAST MODERN - Paintings by the Singh Twins

January 11 - February 29, 2004
The award-winning paintings of Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh have been described by art critics as "some of the most optimistic images of our multicultural world." The London born artists and twin sisters are known for their controversial and often satirical paintings which combine elements of ancient miniature paintings of India with European techniques and contemporary subjects. McMaster Museum of Art is pleased be the only Canadian host of Past Modern, a touring exhibition of sixty-two paintings by the Singh Twins.

The Singh Twins assert their right to define their own cultural and artistic 'individuality' in a way that is meaningful and true to who they perceive themselves to be - British Asians, Sikhs, artists and twins. In their renowned painting Diana: The Improved Version, Princess Diana is transformed into a hybrid of Britannia, the Madonna and Child, and the Hindu goddess Durga. A painting in their SPOrTLIGHT series depicts David Beckham with his wife, Posh Spice, and their son as a new royal family. Dr. Geoff Quilley, University of Leicester, explains that the Twins' work "is located in the interstices between satire and religious icon, and between east and west, and ironically criticizes all the processes of cultural stereotyping through the reduction of complex identities to emblems."

The artists have participated in more than twenty solo shows throughout the world and are the focus of nearly 100 feature articles.

Image credit: Diana: The Improved Version 1997/8. Amrit and Rabindra K.D. Kaur SIngh. Courtesy: the artists.

Lunchtime Talk:
Where Traditions Meet: Painting in Mughal India
by Alexandria Pierce
Wednesday January 14, 12:30 pm

Public Reception:
Thursday January 15, 7-9 pm

Artists' Talk by Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh:
Friday January 16, 12:30 pm

The McMaster Museum of Art is located on the campus of McMaster University at the corner of Sterling Street and University Avenue. Admission to the Museum and this special presentation is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $2. Students, seniors and members are free. NEW Museum Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-5; Sunday 12-5. Phone: (905)525-9140 ext. 23081. Fax: (905)527-4548.
E-mail: museum@mcmaster.ca. website: www.mcmaster.ca/museum