At the historic Kew Gardens in London, a somber yet thought-provoking journey into the lesser-known history of botany is underway. Behind the picturesque gardens and stately façade lies the dark legacy of colonialism and imperialism that fueled the Western world's thirst for exotic plants and resources.
Two hard-hitting exhibitions, "Flora Indica: Rediscovering the Lost Histories of Indian Botanical Art" and "The Singh Twins: Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire," have shed light on the brutal economic botany that defined the British Empire. The former features 52 stunning illustrations by Indian artists commissioned by British botanists in the 19th century, showcasing the region's botanical riches but also highlighting the exploitation and plunder that followed.
These delicate drawings, rescued from forgotten archives, reveal a sinister side to colonialism, where indigenous cultures were dispossessed of their heritage and knowledge was extracted for imperial gain. The intricate details and ornate illustrations belie a history of violence, displacement, and oppression.
In contrast, "The Singh Twins: Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire" is a visual feast that blends traditional Indian miniature painting with digital art and Western illumination techniques. This dynamic exhibition tackles the darker aspects of colonialism head-on, using humor and whimsy to subvert expectations. Each work presents a complex narrative, often hiding its true meaning behind seemingly innocuous scenes – like "Dying for a Cuppa," which appears to celebrate the British tea tradition but reveals a dark history of opium smuggling and exploitation.
Kew Gardens' curator, Dr. Sita Reddy, collaborated with The Singh Twins on this project, aiming to analyze specimens and document their collection while also shedding light on the cultural reverence for plants in grassroots communities. Their goal is not to instill shame but to encourage reflection and awareness about the true cost of colonialism.
Visitors have reported being moved to tears by their encounter with these exhibitions, which has prompted a reevaluation of the gardens' legacy and role in perpetuating colonial stereotypes. As The Singh Twins note, "there is often a perception in the West that colonialism was a benevolent force... We wanted to reset that compass."
Through these exhibits, Kew Gardens acknowledges its complex history and invites visitors to confront the uncomfortable truths about botany's dark past. These exhibitions offer a powerful reminder of the need for nuanced understanding and respect for diverse cultures, challenging us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world and the stories it holds.
Both "Flora Indica" and "The Singh Twins: Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire" are on display at Kew Gardens in London until April 12, 2026.
Two hard-hitting exhibitions, "Flora Indica: Rediscovering the Lost Histories of Indian Botanical Art" and "The Singh Twins: Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire," have shed light on the brutal economic botany that defined the British Empire. The former features 52 stunning illustrations by Indian artists commissioned by British botanists in the 19th century, showcasing the region's botanical riches but also highlighting the exploitation and plunder that followed.
These delicate drawings, rescued from forgotten archives, reveal a sinister side to colonialism, where indigenous cultures were dispossessed of their heritage and knowledge was extracted for imperial gain. The intricate details and ornate illustrations belie a history of violence, displacement, and oppression.
In contrast, "The Singh Twins: Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire" is a visual feast that blends traditional Indian miniature painting with digital art and Western illumination techniques. This dynamic exhibition tackles the darker aspects of colonialism head-on, using humor and whimsy to subvert expectations. Each work presents a complex narrative, often hiding its true meaning behind seemingly innocuous scenes – like "Dying for a Cuppa," which appears to celebrate the British tea tradition but reveals a dark history of opium smuggling and exploitation.
Kew Gardens' curator, Dr. Sita Reddy, collaborated with The Singh Twins on this project, aiming to analyze specimens and document their collection while also shedding light on the cultural reverence for plants in grassroots communities. Their goal is not to instill shame but to encourage reflection and awareness about the true cost of colonialism.
Visitors have reported being moved to tears by their encounter with these exhibitions, which has prompted a reevaluation of the gardens' legacy and role in perpetuating colonial stereotypes. As The Singh Twins note, "there is often a perception in the West that colonialism was a benevolent force... We wanted to reset that compass."
Through these exhibits, Kew Gardens acknowledges its complex history and invites visitors to confront the uncomfortable truths about botany's dark past. These exhibitions offer a powerful reminder of the need for nuanced understanding and respect for diverse cultures, challenging us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world and the stories it holds.
Both "Flora Indica" and "The Singh Twins: Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire" are on display at Kew Gardens in London until April 12, 2026.
I'm not surprised they're hiding this stuff behind a pretty facade at Kew Gardens. It's like they think we won't notice the dark history of colonialism just because it's all wrapped up in some cute illustrations and stories 
. The fact that they even have to create these exhibitions to tell this story is a bit cringeworthy, but I guess it's better than nothing 
. And yeah, I can imagine visitors being moved to tears - probably the same tears they shed when learning about the exploitation of indigenous cultures in school 
. It's all a bit too little, too late for me, tbh 
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this is so mind-blowing, i had no idea that our obsession with exotic plants was rooted in such darkness 
the way these exhibitions are tackling colonialism head-on, it's like a punch to the gut but in a good way 
and it's not just about the brutal exploitation, it's also about how indigenous cultures were dispossessed of their heritage and knowledge. i love how The Singh Twins are using humor and whimsy to subvert expectations, it's like they're saying "hey, colonialism might have been dark, but we can still find beauty in it" 
. I mean, we all knew that history wasn't exactly rosy when it comes to the British Empire and their love for exotic plants 
.
Not me, that's for sure 
. I do love how The Singh Twins are using humor to subvert expectations and make us see things from a different perspective though 
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. We need more than just exhibits and apologies, we need action 
. Still, kudos to them for being brave enough to tackle this difficult topic 
.
. I feel like I need to learn more about the Singh Twins and their work 
just got so emotional thinking about these exhibits... it's crazy how much our perception of history is warped by colonialism 
the way they presented it in a humorous yet powerful way is genius 
like, 'Dying for a Cuppa' is literally a masterpiece 
can't wait to visit Kew Gardens when these exhibits are on 
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. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know this isn't cute or funny, but let's talk about it in a different way." 
. We need more of this kind of nuanced understanding and respect for diverse cultures 
.
. You'll leave feeling moved, but also empowered to make a change 
) of our relationship with nature and the stories it holds 
. They're on till April 12, 2026 
. It's a really important conversation to have.
. But I think that's what we need right now - to be made aware of these issues so we can start making changes.
I'm loving how it's like a punch to the gut, but also kinda necessary 
The Singh Twins' work is giving me LIFE 
I'm also loving how they're using humor and whimsy to tackle this heavy topic – it's like a breath of fresh air 
The fact that visitors are being moved to tears just goes to show how impactful these exhibitions can be 
I'm so moved by these new exhibitions at Kew Gardens. It's crazy to think that the beautiful gardens we visit today have such a dark history behind them. The way they're showcasing this hidden side of colonialism is really powerful 
. I hope that these exhibitions will spark a real conversation about our relationship with the natural world and the stories it holds 
It's crazy to think about how our ancestors' knowledge was taken away from them and used for someone else's gain.
. The way "The Singh Twins" exhibition tackles colonialism with humor is genius - I love how they subvert expectations in their artwork 
. It's like they're giving you this beautiful, ornate tea cup, but then you take a sip and it's all like, "Oh wait, there's actually blood in this" 
. Anyway, if you haven't been yet, you gotta check these out – it's definitely gonna make you rethink your relationship with nature and the stories we tell about it 
The fact that these exhibitions are making people cry is kinda amazing, tbh - it's like they're finally getting some closure. And can we talk about how cool it is that the curator, Dr. Sita Reddy, is working with The Singh Twins to share this important story?