Keithel VII, 2025

Thongam Adison Singh's (b. 2002) practice is rooted in the cultural markers of Manipur, where he explores the relationship between memory, identity, and everyday encounters through bold figurative and abstract paintings. Inspired by the Keithel (market) of Manipur, he transforms ordinary scenarios into strong visual narratives that reflect the rhythm of community, the hardships of women, and cultural heritage on a humanistic level. Rather than depicting the market realistically, Singh simplifies forms and experiments with colour, texture, composition, and abstraction to evoke movement, memory, and a deeper sense of solidarity.

Research, understanding, and experimentation are central to his practice, as he continuously explores materials, techniques, and visual languages through a layered approach while retaining the tradition and lived experiences of his homeland. The bold textures and muted palette of his work reflect the softness of the past and pay homage to the enduring nature of women in his society, something that has personally inspired him, while also maintaining a unique style of expression. His work seeks to enter a dialogue between tradition and modernity through contemporary practice while preserving cultural identity, with his practice acting as a witness to the social and cultural richness, as well as the labour, of his community.

Singh completed his Bachelor's in Fine Arts (Painting) from Imphal Art College, Manipur, and his Master's in Fine Arts (Painting) from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, in 2026. He has taken part in various group shows, including the Kala Kosh Group Show, Chandigarh; the 20th All India Art Exhibition (2025) at the Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh; the EFAC 9th Annual Art Event (2025); the Indian Academy of Fine Art's 90th All India Exhibition of Art (2025), Amritsar; and the Dhaar Art Exhibition (2026), held in collaboration with the Punjab Arts Council and Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, Chandigarh, among others. Singh has won the Annual Art Exhibition Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi Award, Chandigarh, as well as the Amrita Shergill Award from the Government College of Art at the annual art exhibition.