Arpita Singh, Renowned Indian Modernist Painter, Dies at 89

One of India’s most renowned modernist artists, Arpita Singh has passed away in Delhi on the 9th of November 2026. Singh is famous for her highly layered paintings and has used women to focus her paintings on exploring society, conflict and daily life. Her work explores traditional Indian culture but is based around current experiences. Singh has been honored with both a Padma Bhushan (2011) and a Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship (2014).

Early Life

Arpita Singh was born in Baranagar, West Bengal, in 1937. In 1946, Singh moved to Delhi along with her family as it was just before the Partition of India. From 1954 to 1959, she attended the School of Art at Delhi Polytechnic to attain a Diploma in Fine Arts. Here she met her future husband Paramjit Singh, another artist.

After leaving school, Singh worked as a textile designer within the Weavers’ Service Center of the Government of India, which gave her a close insight into traditional Indian textiles.

Style and Inspiration

Singh has created a unique style using modernism. Her paintings include figurative elements as well as traditional Indian elements such as miniatures. Her paintings often include women, soldiers, cars, weapons, crowds and everyday items.

She was inspired by Kantha embroidery, a traditional form of running stitch. This can be seen through the repeated white lines and thin lines throughout her artwork.

Her art focuses on women. Using layered designs and symbolism, Singh explores women, home life, social inequality, violence and humanitarian issues. Her paintings reflect her own memories alongside social and political events.

Awards Received By Arpita Singh

Arpita Singh has won numerous awards,

Year	Award Name
2011	Padma Bhushan
2014	Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship

The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in India. The Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship is also a significant award within visual art.

Significant Exhibitions by Singh

Throughout her almost 6-decade career, Singh has had her paintings displayed at notable galleries both in India and abroad.

2019 – Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Delhi – Major Retrospective.

2025 – Serpentine Gallery, London – Remembering. Her first solo show outside of India in an institutional gallery. This exhibition looked at how she engaged with women, memories, and social issues.

2026 – Talwar Gallery, New York – Unfolding.