Slaves of Fashion: Art of the Singh Twins
Personal Reflections on Hidden Stories of Empire, Colonialism and their Legacies
By The Singh Twins
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- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 256
- Price: £35.00
- Published Date: February 2025
Description
A stunning art book showcasing The Singh Twins' 'Slaves of Fashion' series.
This richly illustrated, artist-designed book showcases 'Slaves of Fashion', an award-winning series of portrait-based allegorical and narrative works by contemporary British artists The Singh Twins.
'Slaves of Fashion' explores diverse histories and legacies of empire and colonialism through the history of Indian textiles. It is a global story of conflict, conquest, exploitation, slavery, intercultural exchange and changing fashion. The series connects these themes to the trade in luxury goods during an age of maritime exploration, colonisation and industrialisation - all driven by the commercial interests of competing and expanding European imperial powers, from the fifteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries.
The book includes detailed interpretations of the artworks, representing The Singh Twins' personal reflections on this story and its relevance to topical debates around racism, cultural ownership, decolonisation, ethical trade and consumerism. It also offers insight into the making of the artworks, which draw on academic research, historical archives and museum collections. The book closes with an essay by Professor Kate Marsh.
Contents
Introduction by The Singh Twins
THE SLAVES OF FASHION ARTWORKS
Allegorical Portraits: Narratives of Empire and Colonialism through the Story of Indian Textiles
Extending the Narrative
Legacies of Empire and Colonialism
CLOSING ESSAY by Professor Kate Marsh
Oriental Luxuries and Imperial Plunder: Hidden Histories and Slaves of Fashion
Author
The Singh Twins are internationally recognised contemporary British artists, known for their highly detailed narrative, symbolic and eclectic style combining hand-painted and digital techniques. Through their work, which they describe as Past-Modern, the twins comment on modern-day society, politics and culture, challenge Eurocentrism in the art world and demonstrate the contemporary relevance of history and tradition. They have each received an MBE from HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and several honorary doctorates for their contribution to art.