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The painting, Art Matters: The Pool of Life, features an array of cultural and popular figures from Liverpool past and present. The detailed work is the second of two Singh Twins pieces commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company as part of the 2008 celebrations. According to the artists, "the painting represents Liverpool as a world stage and showcases Liverpool's creative talent to the world outside."

Art Matters: The Pool of Life is also about the export of Liverpool talent and as such features famous faces from the worlds of sport, comedy, local theatres and even street performers. From entertainers like Cilla Black to sport figures like Steven Gerrard, a snapshot of Liverpool's cultural heritage is fully represented: "football and fashion and shopping are just as much a part of culture as the fine arts" say the twins.

Art Matters: The Pool of Life

Community matters

Rabindra and Amrit Singh also produced Liverpool 800: The Changing Face of Liverpool which was unveiled by Prince Charles at the re-opening of St. George's Hall in 2007. This latest display is not the first time the twins have exhibited their work at the Bluecoat, they had their first solo showing at the recently refurbished gallery back in 1994.

The Singh Twins view the work as an homage to Liverpool life: "another big focus is the community involvement in what's happening in 2008. People know that lots of exciting things are happening in institutions like galleries and museums, but very often the community involvement is overlooked, so we really wanted to make that a focus."

Art Matters: The Pool of Life is on display at The Bluecoat for the rest of 2008.