15/12/2015

One of the most dazzling paintings in the 'Artist and Empire' exhibition now on at Tate Modern is 'EnTWINed' by the Singh twins. I hadn't come across these fasinating sisters before, but immediately wanted to know more about their very individual art. They paint almost as one entity, a twin team, paintings using traditional Indian miniaturist techniques making work packed with erudition, imagery, painterly skill, imagination and wit, a treasure hunt of visual information.

I was thrilled when having messaged them via Facebook they agreed to have Skype chat. I wore a brilliant pink paisley cravat with India in mind, they wore identical baby pink fluffy dressing gowns, post-supper and shower. I asked them about what about them felt Indian, what English. They fired me up to be bold, and not worry about asking outsider questions. I asked them about paints. They told me I was using my Udaipur squirrel brushes wrongly. They suggested contacts in India and reassured me that the India art scene is no labyrinth.

Thank you twins for your interest and friendliness.