Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi Award and the Manipur State Kala Akademi Lifetime Achievement Award, is considered a pioneer of modern art in Manipur.

An artist of profound depth and sensitivity, dedicating his life to capturing Manipur’s ever-changing socio-political landscape through his art. His artistic journey stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to expressing the interplay of emotions, society, culture, and politics.

Singh’s art serves as a reflection of his innermost feelings, intimately entwined with the surrounding environment. He perceives his emotions as an unending continuum, shaped by nature, the people around him, and the fabric of social, economic, and political phenomena. Through his practice, he embarks on a relentless voyage of self-expression, using paint and brush to convey the evolving tapestry of contemporary consciousness.

Singh’s work finds its roots in the socio-political climate of Manipur. His paintings present socio-political strife, human relationships, and the rich cultural heritage of Manipur—all interwoven to convey a complex psychological state. What sets him apart is his ability to channel anger, suffering, and discontent into subtlety that transforms his paintings into a tapestry of color and form, transcending the confines of realism. Much like Manipuri dance, his art communicates through subdued eloquence. His paintings yearn for peace and harmony.