Art has always been a language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. This spirit of connection comes alive at Singart, an ongoing exhibition at Forum Art Gallery, Chennai, which celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore.
Organised as part of Singa60 by Hindu Tamil Thisai, in collaboration with The Hindu and Business Line, the exhibition is more than a display of creativity—it is a cultural bridge that reflects shared histories, migration, language, and lived experiences.
A Cross-Cultural Dialogue
The exhibition brings together artists based in Singapore to explore universal yet deeply personal themes such as identity, memory, and urban life. These works speak not only to Singapore’s own evolving cultural landscape but also to the intertwined connections with India—particularly Tamil Nadu—where historical, linguistic, and familial bonds run deep.
One such work, Couplet II of Ode to the Urban Indian Footpath by Kavita Issar Batra, stands as a testament to how art captures the rhythm of everyday life while sparking reflection on belonging and shared heritage.
A Tribute to Enduring Bonds
Speaking at the event, Vaishnavi Vasudevan, Consul at the Singapore Consulate in Chennai, highlighted the significance of the exhibition:
“The Singart exhibition in Chennai is a meaningful platform curated by The Hindu Group that is a fitting tribute to the 60th anniversary celebrations of bilateral relations between Singapore and India. Art is a powerful bridge between societies and transcends the boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and religion. The bond between Singapore and Tamil Nadu is deeply rooted in history, culture, and kinship. The Tamil diaspora continue to serve as a vital bridge between our societies, strengthening cultural and familial bonds across generations.”
Beyond Art, Towards Connection
Singart is not just an exhibition—it is a celebration of shared memories, intertwined cultures, and evolving identities. It reminds us that while borders may separate nations, art continues to create spaces where dialogue, reflection, and kinship flourish.
As India and Singapore mark six decades of friendship, Singart is a timely reminder that cultural exchanges strengthen diplomatic ties, and creativity often speaks the loudest when it comes to unity
Source: The Hindu
